This is me at work: in front of my handy Shoji screen (an early work-from-home purchase) flanked by my trusty fern, Vern, plugged in to my computer on a Zoom call. I meet with clients to explore how they can turn their virtual communications for meetings, conferences, interviews, etc., into dynamic, memorable interactions. Mastering the technology of your specific platform is a good idea. So is getting all your production elements right: set, lights, sound, costume.
But the most important thing to consider is how you deliver your message. And I'm not talking about turning off your video and letting your slides do the talking. You need to be every bit as present in a virtual meeting as you would be IRL--maybe even more so--to combat Zoom fatigue. Since we're not sharing and exchanging energy with the other people in the room it's easy to burn out. Even worse, when it's your turn to speak or present, you feel like you're sending your message out into a void, wondering if anyone will really hear it. This is especially true on webinars, when you don't see the audience. I've been doing a lot of these, presenting talks on being a dynamic presenter. So you can be sure I feel the pressure to be engaging every second I am on!
This is where my acting comes in handy. Here's the bottom line: in order to connect with people, not talk at them, you need to look into the camera. Every time you speak. As much as possible. You need to do you homework so you have a clear idea of who you're talking to. If you don't know the exact people you'll be addressing, use your imagination, and put a friend who has a similar professional profile or management style on the other end of that camera. If you personalize your audience this way, you'll be able to connect. To really send your knowledge, expertise, and commitment to your listeners. They'll hear what you're saying, and enjoy the meeting as well.
A victory in the daily battle against Work From Home fatigue!
