Videoconference calls can be kind of awkward. People often talk over each other. It’s difficult to see people’s expressions clearly. It can be challenging to interact and communicate.
As a result, even though you might be very charming in person, that may not come across during a videoconference call. A videoconference call is very different from a face-to-face meeting. On video, your charisma might not shine through.
But don’t despair! According to author Ray Smith, this is a skill that you can learn. There are things that you can do to make yourself more charismatic during videoconference calls. Just follow these simple steps:
- Focus on your face – Make sure that your camera is zoomed in on your face. Ideally, your face should take up about a third of your screen. And you should make sure to have good lighting. You want the other participants to be able to see your facial expressions easily.
- Nod and smile – During your meeting, try to nod encouragingly while others are speaking. It’s also a good idea to smile warmly at the other participants – and give a serious grin if someone cracks a joke. Nodding and smiling is really appealing behavior. It demonstrates that you’re listening closely, you’re interested in what other people are saying, and you’re fully engaged in the meeting.
- Speak slowly and clearly – When you’re expressing your ideas, you should speak clearly and deliberately, and vary your pitch so you don’t sound like a robot. And remember to pause between thoughts. It will make your voice sound more charismatic and compelling to the other people attending the meeting.
- Try to make eye contact – On a videoconference call, making eye contact is easier said than done! But if you look into your camera while you speak, it will look like you’re making eye contact with the meeting participants. And this will make you seem more appealing and charismatic to your audience.
- Give other people the chance to talk – Being charismatic involves more than just speaking well. It also involves giving other people the opportunity to talk, and then really listening to what they have to say. After you’re done speaking, ask other group members if they have anything that they’d like to share.
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Smith, R. A. (2020, November 30). How to boost your e-charisma. The Wall Street Journal, p. A11.
