Get Much Better at Your Non-Verbal Cues
“What the computer in virtual reality enables us to do is to recalibrate ourselves so that we can start seeing those pieces of information that are invisible to us but have become important for us to understand.” Douglas Adams
2020 is the ‘work from home’ year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of us have had to pivot since the global lockdown and quickly adjust to having a virtual presence. In this virtual reality, everything is more amplified and scrutinized. Our facial expressions, tone, posture even our background all becomes more telling. We have to be more on point and show up with the best versions of ourselves to convey confidence, engagement and credibility. One powerful tool that we may overlook but others don’t is our non-verbal cues. They are centre stage to our success.
Most studies have shown that 93% of all our communication is non-verbal. This underscores the old adage that a picture tells a thousand words.
The truth is, we are more likely to believe what we see than what we hear. To communicate positively and with strong impact—especially under the spotlight of our video conferencing technologies—we must confidently align our words congruently with our actions.
We all want to be successful at communicating clearly and effectively to clients, teammates, and customers. And we should. In fact, research shows that you are promoted faster and achieve more success based largely on your ability to communicate effectively.
So, what are some of the ways that you can amplify and improve the ‘way you show up’ during your virtual meetings so that your audience receives the full impact and power of your delivery?
Master These Telling Techniques
Here are 3 techniques you can start using right away in this virtual environment to stand out, communicate effectively and minimize the loss of non-verbal cues:
Facial Expressions: Our facial expressions tell what we are really thinking consciously or unconsciously. I am guilty of this. This is the most impactful nonverbal communicator. Ensure that your expressions exude positive energy and enthusiasm. Your eye contact needs to genuinely match your smile and be sufficiently engaging.
Virtual Tip: Look directly into the camera and smile genuinely when you speak. Listen actively and show your level of involvement by engaging and adding value in meeting chats and break-out sessions. Try your best to maintain a pleasant and friendly expression – it communicates that you are attentive and enjoying the meeting.
Body Posture: Our posture indicates how attentive and involved we are during a conversation. Replace poor posture like slouching, leaning, or stretching with sitting still, upright and leaning forward.
Virtual Tip: Remember you are being watched closely. Even if you are on a small phone or laptop your image is in fact amplified on an ultra-high video conferencing platform. You are always ‘on’ even when not speaking, so nod periodically and sit upright. Take the necessary precautions to also eliminate distractions such as phones, children, or pets.
Voice: The way we speak matters. Your style, pitch, speed, and volume all contribute to your success and to being understood as a communicator. Make sure your tone matches your words. Consistency in tone (e.g. warm and positive) and your words conveys authenticity and builds trust with your listeners.
Virtual Tip: Speak up and speak slower so you can be heard clearly in a virtual environment. It also allows you to factor any delay in voice transmission.
With the right training, you can build and develop your non-verbal communication skillset to increase your credibility, trustworthiness, and engagement levels the next time you speak, virtually or otherwise.
The art of great communication is a social skill that is fundamental to achieving success in your personal and professional life.
So, remember that when communicating, especially during these ‘virtual times’ that the adage remains true, actions does speak louder than words. And a picture does tell a thousand words. Be confident that others are now seeing positive ‘tells’ virtually by making sure that your facial expression, body posture and voice are congruent with your words.
