Top 5 Zoom Meeting Mistakes
Written by: Laura Janzen / Communication Coaching / January 27, 2021 / 10 minutes read
It may be a new year, but we are still facing the same Covid-19 related challenges. With continued lockdown orders in Ontario and other provinces across Canada, face to face interactions feel like a distant memory and virtual visits are the new norm. Not only have our social lives shifted online, many of us are working from home through Zoom or other similar platforms. If you are finding yourself struggling to be an effective communicator in online meetings, you may be falling victim to one of these top 5 virtual communication mistakes.
1. Monotonous Delivery
A robotic speaker isn’t going to captivate an in-person audience let alone someone sitting across the screen. Being an engaging speaker requires adding vocal variety to your communication. If every word you say is spoken at the same pitch, volume and rate you will quickly lose the attention of your listener. Choose key words or “power words” that you want to emphasize by saying them slowly, loudly or at a higher pitch to amplify your message. For example: “That was an AMAZING presentation!” The words we choose to stress can even alter the intended meaning of a statement. Take the following sentence for example:
“I didn’t say we should abandon the project!”
If you emphasize the word “I”, you are indicating that someone else said the project should be abandoned. If you emphasize “abandon”, you are indicating that you were misquoted, perhaps you had doubts about the project, but you didn’t want it to be thrown out the window completely!
In virtual communication especially, how we say things is just as important as the words we use.
2. Not monitoring your Non-Verbal Communication
Being aware of your non-verbal communication is critical for both the speaker and listener on a video call. It’s easy to let your face go slack while another person is speaking, but don’t forget, they can still see you! You don’t need to smack on a permanent smile, but you do need to show the speaker you’re actively listening. Lack of eye contact and facial expression will indicate disinterest. Use occasional nods, head tilts and facial reactions (smiling, raising eyebrows, widening eyes etc. ) to show interest and engagement. Along the same lines, if you are the one speaking, be sure to have your eyes on the screen and not searching the room for your next idea. If you’re unsure of where to look, a helpful tip is to position your call window just below the camera on your computer. Avoid fidgeting with hair/clothing or swaying in your chair, which can make you appear nervous. Finally, try to integrate gestures to reinforce key points and give those wandering hands something to do!
In virtual communication especially, how we say things is just as important as the words we use.
3. Rushing and mumbling:
With the bad connections and poor sound quality that we’ve all experienced from time to time, the last thing you want to do is pick up your pace and start stumbling over your words. Use pauses to slow yourself down and break up your ideas into digestible chunks for the listeners. Get comfortable with moments of silence as you find your words, rather than filling that space with filler words like “um” and “uh”. Furthermore, allowing words to slur together can lead to misunderstandings. Clearly enunciate as you speak by moving your mouth more and articulating your consonants crisply.
4. Improper vocal technique
In virtual communication, your voice is the vessel in which your message is delivered. In order for the vocal folds in your larynx or “voice box” to vibrate efficiently, they require sufficient airflow from your lungs. Speech lacking breath support can sound croaky and tight. Be careful not to be hold your breath when speaking or try to fit too many words into one breath. An unsupported and throat focused voice quality is often termed “vocal fry.” This style of speaking will not give off an aura of authority or confidence and it’s also not the most pleasant sound to listen to. To project confidence use deep diaphragmatic “belly” breathing and let the air carry your voice. Think about choosing a point across the room and project your voice from your stomach not your throat.
5. Interrupting others
Without the natural flow of in person conversation, it can be tough to know how and when to contribute in a group or even one on one meetings. Among the biggest barriers to an efficient flow on a video call is people speaking at the same time or trying to speak over each other. Try using a non-verbal cue to indicate wanting to add a point. When you do need to contribute before a subject passes, do so politely with transitions such as “Can I jump in quickly” rather than simply interrupting with your opinion.
In these strange times, we are all adapting to new ways of connecting with those around us. If you recognize yourself in the above descriptions or simply feel your virtual communication skills could use some refining, sign up for an initial consultation today to discuss how we can work together to help you Zoom through your calls with confidence!
To speak with one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.
