"Video conferences, online meetings, web cuddling are digital communication gold," says body language expert and communication trainer Yvonne de Bark. No nostril perspective as a framing, no litter boxes in the background, and respectfully muting your own microphone during a presenter's presentation are basic skills in video calls. But how do we manage to create a situation with digital tools where the conversation partner feels as if we were sitting together at a table? What are the body language faux pas in front of the webcam? How can you stand out from the crowd with a professional and charismatic appearance through your setting, behavior, and a few etiquette rules?
The basic rules for an ideal setting:
Setting
Light basic rules: Set up your position at the computer so that light illuminates you from the front and you do not have a window behind you that casts a shadow outline.Light tips: If artificial light shines on you, your complexion may appear yellowish. Get an LED panel with daylight function. If the LED panel is too bright and you have no way to dim it, use a softbox. For those wearing glasses, position the light source slightly higher to avoid reflections in the lenses disturbing eye contact with the conversation partner.
Background basic rules: The background should convey how you want to be perceived. The fewer objects visible, the more structured you appear.Background tips: Companies can choose a uniform look here (e.g., a roll-up or white background with a logo). There are foldable backgrounds that can cover the view into your home and make you instantly look "tidy." Virtual backgrounds are less favorable for a first impression with clients because they give the impression of having something to hide. It comes across as trained body language: inauthentic.
The more space you have behind you, the more successful you appear. Sitting close to the wall, so that your shadow is a constant companion in the image, gives a cramped impression. Make sure there are no plants, floor lamps, or pictures positioned behind you that seem to grow out of your head for the viewer.
Frame basic rules: It should be chosen so that there is only a hand's breadth of space above your head to the top of the frame, and you should be visible up to the chest. This view is very familiar to our brains from analog meetings at the table.Frame tips: The tilt of the camera has a significant effect on your impact. If there is too much space above your head, you appear smaller than you are.
Camera height basic rules: A direct gaze into the lens prevents your counterpart from feeling "talked down to." Place your laptop on a laptop stand or a few books so that the lens is at eye level. If you see the ceiling in your image, you should change the camera angle.Camera height tips: We tend to slouch inward during a long conversation. Adjust either your posture or your camera. I vote for posture.
Since video conferences save a lot of time and therefore money, it is worth setting up a fixed place for them. Advantage: You don't have to think about rearranging, adjusting the light every time, but can start relaxed and focus on the important content topics.
How to build a relationship with your conversation partners via video conference
Brief contact basic rule: Maintain eye contact with the camera lens about 80% of the time.Brief contact tips: Place the window with the image of your conversation partner as close as possible below yours. This way, the gaze goes at least somewhat close to the camera lens. Eye contact releases the bonding hormone oxytocin and quickly builds trust. You will notice that after a while, you can even "see" the other person's body language from the corner of your eye.
Sound basic rule: Sound is more important than the image. A good microphone ensures that the other person perceives you clearly and distinctly. This builds trust.Sound tips: Use an external microphone that transmits good sound quality.
Posture basic rule: Good posture affects not only your subconscious in a video conference but also that of your conversation partner. Tip: Imagine a thread extending from the spine through the top of your head pulling upward.Posture tips: Use a seat cushion so you don't slump into the chair back and remember to sit up straight. Leaning back appears less present. Do not keep your arms close to your body; this makes you appear insecure and small. Leave a little space between your upper body and your arms. Lower your chin slightly because a raised chin can quickly be perceived as arrogant.
Smile after saying goodbye until the image disappears. Be aware that your counterpart sees you as long as you are both in the virtual space. It would be a shame if the last facial expression they remember of you is a serious, concentrated expression looking for the off button.
Etiquette- Do not eat in front of the camera unless you have arranged to eat with others.
- Don't lose contact with your conversation partner. Verbally involve them when looking for something on the computer. Anything is better than staring seemingly concentrated into space for seconds.
- Take notes in a way that you are still attentive to the conversation partner. Glance down briefly and then immediately make eye contact again. Notes on paper are preferable to a loudly clattering keyboard.
- In a 1:1 conference or small group, do not just leave the frame. It appears disrespectful and is equivalent in normal life to leaving the room without a word.
- Inform the other person if someone enters your office whom the other person cannot see. This way, they can prepare for others listening or watching.
- Avoid background noises that the other person cannot see, i.e., outside the frame. Clicking pens, drumming on the table, filing nails, anything that the other person cannot identify.
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