Mastering Your Virtual Presence

 Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 3/25/2024

Video conferencing is integral to our professional and social interactions, but whether to turn on your video or not remains a question. Let's delve into some actionable steps to navigate this decision effectively.

When to Turn on Video

1. Active Participation:
   • If you want to make an impact and ensure your brilliance shines through, turning your video on is key.
     
     
   • It's like virtually being present in a face-to-face meeting.
     
     
   • If you will actively present in the meeting, ensure your video captures your full face. We hear better when we can see your facial expressions.
     
     
2. Dress and Prepare:
   • Treat virtual meetings like in-person ones by dressing appropriately and minimizing distractions in your environment.
     
     
   • Recall the principles of photography: our eyes are drawn to:
     • Movement
     • Faces
     • Size
     • Brightness
     • Sharpness
     • Color
       
       
3. Be the Main Attraction:
   • Position yourself front and center on the screen with a plain, clutter-free background.
     
     
   • Make sure whatever you need during the meeting is within reach to avoid unneeded disruptions.

When to Turn Off Your Video

1. Avoid Distractions:
   • Refrain from taking your audience along for shopping, errands, or activities outside the meeting. This includes driving, which is unsafe and distracting for others.
     
     
2. Multitasking:
   • While multitasking during virtual meetings is tempting, it's best to stay focused and engaged.
     
     
   • If you need to step away momentarily, you can temporarily turn off your video by clicking the video icon for a diagonal red line across it.
     
     
3. Respect Motion Sensitivity:
   • Some attendees may be sensitive to motion, so be considerate when moving around or changing locations.
     
     
   • You can turn off your video until you're settled in a new space.
     
     
4. Mind Your Intake:
   • Unless it's a casual gathering, limit your consumption to water, tea, or coffee to avoid distractions and to maintain professionalism.

Attending remote meetings offers numerous benefits, such as saving travel time while being actively engaged in the meeting. Continue to adapt and refine your virtual presence, while you create meaningful connections in the digital realm.

Thank you to all who accommodate remote meetings, shaping this paradigm for better communications, productivity, and camaraderie.

“…Yours truly has never worked out of an office, and never will.”
Richard Branson

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