Have you recently had a job interview on Zoom? Recently pitched a big idea to a large group? Are you looking to relay critical information to your boss and your bosses’ boss during a Zoom team meeting? Or are you simply interested in leveling up for your new normal to be most successful on Zoom?

When we have a meeting critical for our success, we care a lot about being positively perceived, and perhaps we care even more about not making fools of ourselves. New evidence shows that impressions happen faster in the virtual world than in person. So when a meeting goes sideways, or you don’t feel as confident as you hoped, how do you not fall into the trap of relentlessly critiquing and obsessing “if only” you had the chance to do it all over?

What hacks or techniques do you need to know to do your best and look your best and drive the outcomes to be most successful during Zoom meetings? Like in person, the best outcomes occur when you are genuine and authentic. Which does not mean you cannot be nervous. So here is what you need to know about utilizing the best body language in video meetings.

Be Mindful of Awkward Pauses During Zoom Meetings

Watching yourself for extended periods makes us feel self-conscious at times. Watching ourselves during a virtual video meeting makes us do things we would not normally do, like play with our hair or touch our face, or even worse, look bored and disengaged.

During virtual meetings, an interruption can bring about an awkward pause. Be mindful because pauses feel longer on Zoom. In addition, a delay can make you perceived as less friendly.

People are not fixated on you when viewing your image on Zoom. The intense analysis we imagine does not exist – it’s all in our heads! However, people do decide whether they like you or not in seconds. So while they aren’t staring at you on the video, they are deciding whether they like you or not.

How to Make a Great Impression During Video Chats with Your Body Language

Smile! You will look so much more engaged and relaxed.

Warm yourself up and get into a great mindset before the call. Then, read out loud to practice how you will sound.

Dial in early to avoid looking stressed or flustered.

Look into your camera like you are talking to one person.

Check your background. Make sure it’s neat and tidy or decorated well.

Use that voice! The goal here is to exude credibility and confidence. Be strong and clear.

Position yourself! Your head and shoulders should command the screen.

You want to make sure you’re paying attention. If you’re taking notes, let the person on the other side of the meeting know beforehand. Remember, you are on camera. Train yourself to stay on mute when you are not speaking. This will prevent kids, pets, or unexpected noises from interfering.

In addition, you can change your Zoom settings to take out more background noise; go into your audio settings, then scroll down to advanced. You’ll see a section and a box to click on high noise reduction. Click that box to reduce background noise.

Let me know what you’re doing to improve your Zoom body language. I love hearing from you!

How to use your body language effectively is a skill set that is essential to achieving your goals! However, all of us need assistance from others more than once in our life to support us so we can be our best. If you are unsure where to start, I’d love to connect with you to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Reach out to find out how we can work together via my contact page today!

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