Here's how you can adjust your communication style for virtual platforms.

Proper lighting is crucial to your credibility. If you are in shadow or poorly lit you are not showing up at your best. Often, the solution is as simple as adjusting your lighting to cast even diffused light on both sides of your face. Or, face a window where natural light is available. Aim to remove any shadows under our nose or dark spots under your eyes. In fact, your eyes should be clearly visible, a display of good virtual eye contact. Play with lighting you may already have at home or office before purchasing a light kit. If you decide to augment your set-up, you will find economical options for under $50, a sound investment in your virtual executive presence.

To adjust your communication style for virtual platforms: 1. Be clear and concise: Use straightforward language to avoid misunderstandings. 2. Use visuals: Incorporate images, charts, and slides to enhance understanding. 3. Engage actively: Encourage participation through questions and interactive elements. 4. Maintain professionalism: Be mindful of your tone and language. 5. Ensure reliability: Use a stable internet connection and functional equipment. 6. Follow up: Summarize key points and action items in writing.

Adjust Camera Angle Position your camera at eye level for a natural, direct line of sight. Avoid looking down at your camera to prevent disengaging or unflattering angles. Use a laptop stand or stack of books to achieve the correct height. Ensure your background is uncluttered and professional. Attention to camera angle details enhances your presence and message delivery.

Let them know there is a wonderful living being on the other side of the screen. -They should see, hear, and understand you clearly -The surrounding environment should be relatable -Simplicity is the key. -Language selection is the key to those sessions. -Understand your audience -No matter how professional and expert you are, prepare like this is the first interaction of your career. Good times!

To adjust your communication style for virtual platforms, focus on clarity and brevity. Use visual aids like slides or screen sharing to enhance understanding. Be mindful of your tone and body language, as they can be harder to read online. Actively listen and engage with participants, encouraging questions and feedback for effective interactions.

sound clarity is paramount in virtual communication as it directly affects how well your message is received. Quality Microphone: Invest in a high-quality microphone or headset. Built-in microphones in laptops can often pick up background noise and provide lower sound quality. Environment: Choose a quiet location to minimize background noise. If necessary, use noise-canceling software or devices to further reduce ambient sounds.

The camera angle can affect how your audience perceives you. Position the camera at eye level to simulate direct eye contact, which fosters a sense of connection and engagement. Avoid angles that look up at you or down on you, as these can be unflattering and create a psychological barrier. If necessary, stack books or use a stand to adjust the height of your camera to the appropriate level.

Do NOT screen share 100% of the time! When you are presenting remotely, you naturally miss critical non-verbal cues exchanged between you and your audience. If during the full 1-hour call you keep your presentation front and centre, you and everyone else are now just a tiny square in the corner of the screen! I recommend structuring your presentation in a way that you: 1) start with no screen sharing so everyone can see each other and interact 2) do no more than 10-15 min of continuous screen sharing. Stop sharing your screen from time to time, interact with your audience, gather some feedback and then return to your presentation You'll be amazed by how this simple tip will positively impact your next video call!

Ideally, your visuals should align with and complement your storytelling narrative. The best ones are those where you as a presenter is part of the story. Alternatively, use visuals that transport the audience to the story you are telling. Either way, this should help engage them emotionally and captivate the audience into listening to the message you want to present.

In virtual presentations, visual aids are powerful tools for explaining complex ideas. Opt for minimal text and clean designs on your slides or screen shares. Use them sparingly to ensure they enhance rather than dominate your speech. Make sure each visual is directly relevant and serves to strengthen your message. By carefully integrating these aids, you can make your presentation more engaging and understandable for your audience.

Ensure you use visuals. Incorporate visuals such as slides, images, or videos to help keep your audience engaged and interested.

Practice, Practice, Practice. I can't emphasise this enough. How? - setup your camera app and record yourself. I know: you hate the idea of watching yourself on a screen. But trust me, this is the best way to identify issues, learn, refine and gain confidence. -Present it to a colleague. Make a pact with someone you trust: "when we have upcoming critical meetings, I present to you, you present it to me". Of course, make sure you both offer constructive feedback. - Practice it with family. This is particularly important if your target audience is broad and the message must be understood by anyone. If you can't explain it to your other half, you probably need to refine the message.

To adapt to virtual platforms, practice is key. Rehearse your presentation multiple times to get used to the tech and format. Record yourself to review and improve your performance. Being familiar with the virtual environment will boost your confidence and help you deliver a smooth presentation.

Don’t Show Shock or Awe Over What You See: You will see someone’s home or office, which may be messy, cluttered, or more luxurious than you might expect. Someone may attend a meeting having made questionable wardrobe choices. Try to not show surprise, shock or awe over what you see as this could make them uncomfortable. Maintain Eye Contact and Avoid Looking Away Too Often: If you have placed your webcam at eye level or slightly above, you should be able to look at the people you are talking to on your computer monitor and it will seem as if you are looking into their eyes. When in an in-person meeting, it’s normal to look away periodically to gather your thoughts.

Be yourself - all others are already taken. Sounds trivial, but this is how you catch peoples attention. You can of course let yourself be inspired by others, but what wins is authenticity. So, training and self confidence is the key, and the latter you get when you show your personality and don't start to act like someone else.

In virtual platforms, people tend to have shorter attention spans, so it's important to be clear and concise in your communication. Encourage your audience to participate by asking questions, using polls, or having breakout sessions. Understand that everyone is experiencing different challenges in a remote environment, and be empathetic to those challenges. Be aware of any background noise or distractions that may take away from your message, and try to minimize them. By adjusting your communication style for virtual platforms, you can increase engagement, build meaningful connections, and have a more productive virtual experience.

Keep your hands close. Hands and arms tend to grow distractingly big if you move them too close to the camera. Draw an invisible line from left to right in the middle of your desk. This is your “hand limit”—the line you keep your hands behind. Or simply move your keyboard closer to you. This trick will keep your hands properly sized for the whole call.

Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during virtual presentations is vital for creating a personal connection with your audience. To achieve this, habitually look directly at the camera lens rather than the screen. This simulates eye contact, making your audience feel like you are speaking directly to them. However, it requires practice to balance this with checking your audience's reactions on the screen. By purposely training yourself to glance at the screen only occasionally, you can ensure that your primary focus remains on the camera lens, enhancing your engagement and presence.