Six Body Language Tips for Virtual Meetings
Six Body Language Tips for Virtual Meetings
With virtual meetings the norm for so many of us at the moment, it is vital that we engage with the people that we speak to online. Body language is no less important online than in person, but we need to adapt the way we act to fit the new medium.
Why is body language important online?
The COVID crisis has caused many conversations to be transferred to online Zoom and Teams meetings, which has inevitably led to a change in the way we converse with each other.
During online meetings, the body language element of our communication is handicapped. Since we understand how other people feel by watching their body language, the communication suffers.
If the body language aspect of communication is reduced, then the amount of visual information we gain, is also reduced, which impairs the quality of the communication.
In order to maintain effective communication, we should maximise the amount of body language we use during online meetings, by doing the following:
1. Switch the camera on.
The most common body language error people make during virtual meetings is to switch their camera off, so they cannot be seen.
We understand the reasons why people don't like being on camera, but it is essential to the meeting that we can see each other.
So, brush your hair, try to look your best and put on a good show.
2. Sit back from the camera to show the whole upper body.
Don't sit too close to the camera because it looks terrible.
Instead, sit away from the camera so your upper body, arms and hands can be seen. This will be more like a face-to-face meeting, which will allow a better mutual understanding and rapport.
3. Remove distracting backgrounds.
Hide distracting backgrounds, especially those things that move or make noises. Teams and Zooms both have functions that automatically obscure the backgrounds. This ensures that you and your body language will be the focus, not your cat.
4. Smile and be as expressive as you can.
Our facial expressions communicate huge amounts of visual information. So, it is important to be as expressive as possible. Smiling is enormously important because nobody likes a grump.
It is important to make good impressions and to do that, we must put our "best foot forward", but in this case, your "best foot" is your face. So put your best face forward.
5. Look directly into the camera.
When speaking, look directly into the camera as if it were the other person's eyes, because it is more engaging to listen to someone who is looking at you. We feel more connected.
So, place a picture of a friendly face, next to the camera, and when speaking, look directly into their eyes.
6. Dress up.
It is common for home workers to work in their "scruffs". That is a big mistake.
We are affected by how feel, which in turn is affected by our physical appearance. If we know we are looking a bit rough, then it negatively affects how we feel, and that negativity impairs our performance.
On the other hand, if we know we are looking good, then we feel great, and that positivity improves our performance.
Give them the best you've got.
Summary of my body language tips for virtual meetings.
Body language is an important element of communication, even when working remotely:
- Switch the camera on.
- Sit back from the camera and show your whole upper body.
- Remove distracting backgrounds.
- Smile and be as expressive as you can.
- Look directly into the camera.
- Dress up and put on a show.
Definition: Virtual meeting body language
Virtual meeting body language is the use of your face, hands and posture on live video calls to send clear, wordless messages. The camera must stay on with a tidy background, you need to sit so your upper body is in view, look into the lens and use natural smiles and gestures to build trust and understanding.
Show CG4D Definition
- uses visible face, hands and posture on live video calls
- requires camera on and plain, still background
- needs eye contact with the lens to mimic in-person contact
- relies on open, lively expressions and gestures to build trust
Article Summary
In virtual meetings, your body language speaks before you do: turn the camera on, sit back so your hands show, clear background clutter, smile, look into the lens and dress sharp to build trust and clarity in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why should I keep my camera on for better virtual meeting body language?
How far should I sit from my laptop camera to show clear non-verbal cues?
What background looks most professional on a Zoom or Teams call?
Does smiling really improve online communication on video calls?
How can I keep natural eye contact with people through the webcam lens?
What should I wear to boost confidence and presence on remote work video calls?
Do hand gestures matter during virtual meetings, and how should I use them?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index finds that 98% of workplace meetings now include at least one remote member, up from 78% in 2020. Logitech’s 2024 Better Meetings survey reports that speakers who keep the camera on and use clear hand moves are seen as 30% more trusted and 25% more clear than those who stay off-camera.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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