How To Effectively Communicate In A Virtual Meeting

More and more companies embrace work-from-home or some?hybrid ?work situations. Because of this, you must learn how to communicate in a virtual meeting effectively. It is still important for you to?stay visible ?and have your ideas heard.?

Virtual meetings present their share of communications complications because you aren’t physically in the room with others.?

However, you can learn to communicate in a virtual meeting by focusing on clear communications, body language, and utilizing the technology effectively.

Below are three strategies to help you learn how to effectively communicate in a virtual meeting.

1. CLEAR COMMUNICATION

Clear communication ?is critical in any meeting; however, this is especially true in a virtual setting. When you are in a virtual meeting, you don’t have the luxury of having conversations before and after the meeting. You also may be under tight time constraints. Being clear in your communication from the start will help you get your message across the first time.

Consider the following:

• Clear + Concise?– When you are in a virtual setting, it is easy for you, and others to get distracted. Because of this, you will want your communications to be clear and concise. This means getting rid of filler words and avoiding mumbling or tangents.
• Active Listening?– Active listening is critical for clear communication. If you aren’t actively listening during the meeting, you won’t respond appropriately. There are several ways you can practice active listening.
• Speak Up?– To have your ideas or thoughts heard, you have to speak up. Speaking up can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. In our LinkedIn Learning e-course,?Speaking Up At Work , you will learn how and when to speak up to get your ideas heard by the right people within your organization. There are several ways you can speak up.

Clear communication will help you be more effective in a virtual meeting.

2. BODY LANGUAGE

In a virtual setting, being aware of your body language is very important. This is because body language is heightened in a virtual setting.?Being aware of your eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures will help you effectively communicate.

Consider the following:

• Eye Contact?– Eye contact in a virtual meeting is just as important as an in-person meeting. This is because eye contact communicates to the presenter that you are engaged.
• Facial Expressions?– In a virtual meeting, your facial can seem heightened to others. This is because most people can see your upper body, and the screen enlarges these images for everyone. Because of this, you will want to be very aware of what your facial expressions are saying.
• Gestures?– When speaking in a virtual meeting, you will want to use gestures to emphasize your point.

Body language is a powerful communication tool. Maintaining good eye contact, being aware of your facial expressions, and using gestures will help you effectively communicate in a virtual meeting.

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3. UTILIZE TECH

Virtual meetings allow you to utilize different tech aspects to help you communicate. Even if you aren’t actively speaking, the tech options in virtual meetings give you the opportunity to stay engaged.

Consider the following:

• Chat Function?– The chat function is a great way to communicate with others during your meeting.
• Use Reactions?– Reactions can help you engage and communicate during a virtual meeting.
• Keep Camera On?– If you really want to show up and be seen during a virtual meeting, you need to keep your camera on. Keeping your camera on shows you are paying attention.

??We recommend the e-course,?“Zoom: Leading Effective And Engaging Video Calls” ?to learn more about virtual meetings.

Utilizing tech options during a virtual meeting can help you effectively communicate.

In the end, effective communication in virtual meetings is critical for your career success. With almost every company employing some form of virtual communications, the more comfortable you become, the more effective your communications will be.

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1. Discover your?communications style?so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs?here .
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If you'd like to learn more about our communications services and how we work with individuals and companies, check out our website:?www.soulcastmedia.com .?