5 Tips for Virtual Meetings and Interviews
It’s 9 a.m. You walk into your kitchen, grab a cup of coffee and open your laptop. For some, it’s time for your weekly meeting with your supervisors; for others, it’s a job interview – via video. In the age of COVID-19, social distancing and working from home, this is the new way to communicate – virtually. But are you ready?
“Professional communication is always essential to your success,” said Dr. Pam Hopkins, director of East Carolina University’s Speech Communication Center. “Virtual communication presents the challenge of distance, but your colleagues will still expect your best. And they will remember your professionalism long after the Webex, Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting ends.”
To help navigate the world of virtual interaction, Hopkins has five easy tips for maximizing your impact in a video interview or meeting.
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1. Where’s your camera?
Hopkins advises to locate your camera and have it at eye level so that you look into the camera as if you are looking at the person on the other side. She said if it’s too low those on the other side will be able to look up your nose and if it’s too high, they can see the top of your head. One trick to help you with looking into the camera is to remember you are talking to an audience and not to a camera. “It’s easy to feel as though you are just talking to yourself when using a tablet, computer or your phone,” Hopkins said. “You can tape a picture of a family member or even a colleague on the wall behind your web cam or camera lens. Talk to that person instead of just talking to the camera lens. You will present your information differently.”
2. What’s behind you?
“Appearance matters even in our virtual communication,” Hopkins said. “Pay attention to your appearance and to your background. You don’t want your colleagues or your supervisor to remember your uncombed hair, wrinkled shirt or the unmade bed behind you instead of the important information you presented during the meeting. Pajamas are never OK. And it might be hard for you to believe, but not everyone thinks your pets are as cute as you do. Having them in your lap during a meeting sends the wrong message.”
3. Mute your mic.
When you’re not the one talking, Hopkins said to hit the mute button. This is done out of respect for the speaker so that all involved will hear them and not the background noise coming from your location.
4. Do your homework.
Hopkins said to make sure you know what you are talking about – especially if you are in an interview. She also advises you to really listen to the question and give a thoughtful answer. “Dynamic, digital delivery is key,” Hopkins added. “You don’t want to bore any audience with low energy, no eye contact and zero enthusiasm for your topic.”
5. Verbal and nonverbal communication.
Avoid filler words or phrases such as “like,” “um,” “ah,” “you know,” “OK,” “literally” and “you know what I mean?” Hopkins said these words and phrases take away from your message. As for nonverbal communication, Hopkins advised sitting up straight to showcase a professional image.
Hopkins said if you follow these five simple tips, your virtual communication will go a long way – especially when we are all able to meet in person again.
“The coronavirus might be keeping us apart physically, but your outstanding communication skills will always keep you connected,” Hopkins said.