Key Takeaways:
- Virtual body language plays a crucial role in professional online interactions.
- Kenneth D Glynn from Career Navig8r highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in digital settings.
- Practical tips from experts like Professor Matt Abrahams can enhance your online presence.
In an era dominated by remote working and digital meetings, the nuances of online body language have become increasingly significant. Kenneth D Glynn, the visionary behind Career Navig8r, and his team of Occupational Psychologists are shedding light on the subtle yet powerful ways we communicate non-verbally over digital platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Google Hangouts.
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication Online
Body language, a critical aspect of non-verbal communication, can reveal more than we realize in virtual settings. While we may think we’re not giving anything away, our primal instincts are often adept at picking up a range of signals that can spell success or failure in our professional interactions.
Online Body Language: Making the Right Impression
- Posture and Presence: Professor Matt Abrahams of Stanford University advises sitting balanced, with feet flat on the ground, leaning slightly forward to show engagement. Hands should be visible, resting on the table, to convey openness.
- Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact is essential but should be natural. Staring too intensely can be as off-putting as avoiding eye contact entirely.
- Facial Expressions: Your face is the main point of focus in virtual meetings. Be mindful of expressions like frowning or lip-biting, which can convey unintended emotions.
- Minimizing Distractions: Ken Glynn suggests keeping the area in front of the camera clear and avoiding excessive head movement to maintain a focused and professional demeanor.
- The Right Angle: Positioning the camera at eye level by propping up your device on books can prevent a top-down view, making the interaction more personable.
Identifying and Improving Your Virtual Body Language Type
- The Shrinking Violet: Lack of eye contact can signal disinterest. Practice making consistent, relaxed eye contact.
- The Flirt: Overly close proximity to the screen or excessive eye contact can be unsettling. Find a balance in how you engage visually.
- The Fidget: Fiddling or excessive movement can be distracting. Try to stay composed by taking deep breaths and keeping your hands in a relaxed position.
- The Flamboyant Communicator: While expressive hand gestures can be engaging in person, they might be overwhelming online. Aim for more subdued movements.
- The Open Book: Your facial expressions should align with your verbal message. Practice maintaining a neutral, pleasant facial expression.
Practicing and Perfecting Your Online Presence
Regularly reviewing your online interactions, either through recordings or feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors, can be invaluable. Glynn emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our virtual body language, as it takes under seven seconds to make a first impression.
Conclusion: Navigating the Virtual World with Confidence
As remote work becomes the norm, mastering virtual body language is essential. By being aware of how we present ourselves and practicing good habits, we can ensure that our digital demeanor enhances rather than hinders our professional interactions.
For more insights and guidance on honing your online communication skills, Career Navig8r offers a wealth of resources and expert mentorship.
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