Set yourself up for success by creating a professional “studio” in your office—a consistent, distraction-free space that enhances your presence. Position the camera for an ideal frame; if you need to, use pillows to elevate yourself for a well-aligned, confident angle. Before the meeting, send out an agenda to establish focus. Open with a clear outline of the meeting’s goals to set the tone. Throughout, actively direct questions to specific participants and invite others to share their opinions, ensuring everyone’s engaged while keeping an eye on time limits. Think of yourself as the orchestra leader, guiding discussion with purpose, balance, and authority.

In virtual settings, commanding presence is all about intentional body language. Sitting upright and leaning slightly forward indicates focus and control, while deliberate hand gestures can punctuate important points, making your message more compelling. Maintaining eye contact with the camera simulates direct engagement and builds trust with your audience. Additionally, speaking clearly, using pauses strategically, and keeping your environment tidy can reinforce your professional image. Experimenting with different techniques helps refine your unique style.

A number of points here: 1. If your lighting's bad and your camera a potato, it doesn't matter what posture you adopt. 2. Voice is part of body language, and easier to use to your advantage in virtual settings than e.g. hands. 3. Virtual worlds are unnatural, so the more you adopt a natural way of being on camera (i.e. don't stare, don't sit like you got a stick up your rear, and don't rigidly follow advice on body language), the more authority you'll have.

There have been so many great tips shared here already, and here are a few more to consider: - Choose a quiet space with good lighting. - Position your camera at eye level, and keep your gaze on it. - Clearly state the meeting’s goal right at the beginning. - Facilitate: address participants by name so they feel seen and appreciated. - Use hand gestures to emphasize key points And don’t forget about your outfit and background. Busy patterns or a cluttered backdrop can distract viewers, so keep things simple and professional. After all, you want them to focus on meetings insights, not your funky wallpaper! ??

In addition to managing physical presence, voice control is equally important in projecting authority. A calm, clear, and consistent tone supports a confident image. Furthermore, I’d emphasize the importance of a structured opening conversation: greeting the team warmly, clearly outlining the meeting’s objectives and expectations, and working systematically toward those goals throughout the discussion. Setting the stage with role introductions also contributes to a sense of order and ownership. Clear, context-appropriate introductions and assigned roles (e.g., designating someone to take notes) create an organized and purposeful atmosphere that enhances authority and leadership.