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Online nonverbal communication: how to project charisma on zoom and teams - communication non verbal
Remote work is here to stay. Nowadays, we close deals, manage teams and conduct job interviews through a screen. The problem is that the camera acts like a filter that removes much of our nonverbal communication (smells, touch, 3D physical presence). This generates what is known as "Zoom Fatigue": our brain has to work twice as hard to decode the other person's signals.
In this article, based on the module of Videoconference Interviews, we teach you how to recover your communication power in the virtual environment.
In person, we look into each other's eyes. On video, if you look at the person's eyes (on the screen), they feel like you're looking down. The connection breaks.
The Lens Technique:Look at the camera: For your interlocutor to feel that you're looking them in the eye, you must look directly at the webcam lens. It's unnatural and cold for you, but warm for them. Train your brain to speak to the little black dot when it's your turn to present or persuade.
Your video "square" is all that exists of you for the other person. How you fill it determines your status.
Avoid the "Talking Head": If only your head is visible floating, you lose expressiveness. Move away from the camera until your shoulders and the top of your chest are visible. This allows your hands to occasionally enter the frame, which is vital to generate trust.
The Rule of Thirds: Your eyes should be at the height of the top third of the screen. If the camera is too low (double-chin effect), you appear arrogant or careless. If it's too high, you appear submissive. Place your laptop on books until the lens is at eye level.
The screen absorbs energy. A normal smile in person looks like a serious face on video. A normal tone of voice sounds monotonous.
Amplification: You need to raise your energy by 10-15%. Smile a little more than usual, nod your head more visibly to show active listening, and use your hands to emphasize numbers or concepts. But be careful: quick movements will look blurry or pixelated. Move a bit more slowly and deliberately.
Your background is your new suit. A messy background shouts "mental chaos".
Professional Background: Choose a neutral wall or an orderly bookshelf. Lighting should be frontal (in front of a window or with a ring light), never behind you (backlighting), or you'll be a sinister shadow. Remove visual distractions that compete for your audience's attention.
On a video call, audio delay (lag) causes the sounds of assent ("uh-huh", "yes") to interrupt the speaker and cut the audio.
Visual Feedback: Replace auditory feedback with visual. Nod exaggeratedly, smile, give a thumbs-up. Show that you're present without turning on your microphone. This is highly valued in team meetings.
Mastering online communication is not just about knowing how to use the software; it's about knowing how to cross the digital barrier to emotionally reach the person on the other side.
