How to appear more confident and project executive presence in virtual meetings
June 03, 2024
How to appear more confident and project executive presence in virtual meetings
Unlocking Video Confidence: The Secret Weapon for Career Climbers
Ever feel like a nervous wreck on video calls? You're not alone. But whether your goal is a corner office, a promotion, or simply more influence, mastering your virtual presence is crucial.
Here's why: some people are wired to hyper-analyze every twitch and gesture during video calls. This can lead to information overload, distraction, and even freezing up when it's your turn to speak. The pressure to perform flawlessly can trigger self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
But fear not! Simple tweaks can dramatically elevate your executive presence on video calls, boosting your confidence along the way. While these tips may seem basic, they work together to create a powerful impression of competence, trust, and credibility.
Ways to Project Confidence on Video Meetings
POSITION YOURSELF PROPERLY
Projecting executive presence starts by taking up space, literally and figuratively. If you sit too far away from the camera, it makes you appear small, which can subconsciously send a signal that you’re less powerful, nervous, or otherwise disengaged.
Fix this by positioning your seat so the area from your upper chest to your head is visible. Make sure the top of your head isn’t chopped off and that there are a few inches of visual space above your crown.
LOOK LEVEL
You garner the most trust by establishing strong eye contact with your audience.
But many people make the mistake of positioning their camera too low (as if people were looking up your nose), which can make it seem like you’re talking down to people. If the camera is too high (as if you were taking a selfie), it can diminish your presence.
Instead, keep your camera at eye level. Do this by propping your laptop or webcam on a stack of books.
LIGHT IT UP
Shadows are not a good look, nor do they add to your credibility. Avoid sitting with your back to a window or being backlit by a lamp. When possible, take video calls with a window in front of you. The natural light makes a world of difference.
SMILE AT THE CAMERA, NOT YOUR COLLEAGUES
Practice looking straight into the camera rather than glancing at your own image on the screen. To train yourself into this behavior try:
- Placing a sticky note with a smiley face right about your webcam
- Turning off the “self-view” option on Zoom
- Using the “active speaker” mode
Each of the above will help direct your attention to where it matters most – authentically connecting with your audience.
SAY NO TO VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS
You’ve probably seen or used Zoom’s virtual backgrounds feature, which allows you to display an image or video as your backdrop during a call.
However, you’ve probably also noticed that it’s not fool-proof. Many times the software will display the image over your head or glitch and pixelate.
For this reason, I advise my clients to stay away from it unless absolutely necessary. It simply introduces too much distraction and detracts from a strong presence.
Be mindful of choosing a relatively neutral and professional backdrop, such as an office space with shelves in view. Don’t shy away from personal elements like photos of the family. These are great conversation starters that humanize you and build connections.
USE A STRONG VOICE
On video conferencing, you need to speak slightly faster than you would while in person to hold people’s attention.
And be mindful of your inflection, just as you would in person. Avoid uptalk – ending sentences as if you were asking a question – and trailing off at the end of your sentences.
It may seem obvious but use a good quality headset. In this digital age, your audio quality is part of the overall picture of your presence.
STAY STABLE
One mistake I see Sensitive Strivers make is letting their lack of confidence leak out through their physical posture. They slouch or hunch over during video calls, for example, or they may sway in their chair to get out nervous energy, which in turn makes your audience feel less secure.
Instead, imagine as if there were an invisible string running from the top of your head to the ceiling pulling you up. Send signals of competency and warmth by relaxing your shoulders and pulling them down your back. Looking at ease creates a positive perception in the eyes of people you’re trying to influence.
KNOW ABOUT NOTIFICATIONS
Mute your desktop notifications before hopping on a call. You may think that all the dings and pings may make you appear important, but it’s more so disrespectful to the people on the call. Make others feel important by demonstrating they have your full attention.
Be aware that anything you say in the chat will be visible in the final transcript. So make sure your private messages are something you’d be comfortable with your boss seeing.
GET YOUR MINDSET RIGHT
Executive presence is about more than your visual look and body language. Fundamentally, it’s about your mentality. And nothing detracts from projecting an air of confidence like undermining yourself.
Nix apologetic language like “I’m sorry, I may be completely off base here.” Tentative language may be appropriate during a brainstorming session, for example, but not when you’re trying to be perceived as decisive and an expert.
Let's seize this opportunity, unlock our video confidence, and propel ourselves forward on the path to career success and fulfillment.
Reach out to us at: samira@auraaimage.com or call us at +91 9958934766