The State of Virtual Communication: 2023

It's been three years since most of us were forced to go virtual, so it’s a good time to ask: What is the state of our virtual communication in 2023?

Although in-person meetings are back in the mix, many people are continuing to work and communicate remotely. And recent research shows that trend continuing:

·???????Post-Covid,?72 percent of organizations ?expect to have fewer in-person meetings.

·???????According to?Microsoft ,?82 percent of managers expect more flexible and home working. And 71 percent of workers and managers want to continue with some remote work.

After 3 Years – the Same Challenges?

Despite the heavy reliance on virtual communication to get business done, most people are still struggling with the same challenges they had three years ago. Including:

“How do I make eye contact with my audience?”

“How do I read their body language?”

“What do I do if my customer doesn't have their camera on?”

“Why are people so passive on video?”

“How do I manage three screens, 20 people, slides, etc…?”

It begs the question: Why are we stuck having second-class interactions and results??

As you might suspect, I have a theory.

Level One Virtual Communication:?Focus on Technology

When we first went virtual our efforts were focused on the bare minimum communication requirements:

1. Can you see me??

2. Can you hear me?

3. Can you see my screen?

We told people to get a camera, a platform, some lights, and if possible, find a spot where the family won’t wander in half naked.?Beyond that, the general instruction was “just do what you did in person, but with a camera in front of you.”?Never mind the fact that you’ve just switched to a new medium that has different rules and perspectives.?

The problem with Level One is that it is a subpar experience for you and your audience. It can’t help but pale in comparison to in-person interactions. Level One may be a “comfy” spot for you to hang out in, but it’s painful for your audience, - and certainly not going to help build relationships, credibility, or collaborate as we move into a more virtual savvy world. That’s why we need to get to the next level.

Level Two Virtual Communication:?Focus on Connection

Level Two moves our virtual communication closer to that in-person experience. Instead of ignoring the camera, it focuses on how we can use it to its highest potential to make other people feel seen, heard, and understood, and how we can compensate for some of its weaknesses.?

This next level recognizes that there are certain human elements that technology cannot replace and requires some adjustment on our part. For example:

1. Certain qualities like trust, empathy, attentiveness, interest, which are essential for a connection to take place, do not transfer as easily to a virtual environment. Learning how to convey these important qualities and how we are sabotaging our efforts on screen is vital for building relationships.
2. On camera, 80% of your body language is gone. The remaining 20% - your face, eyes, in-frame movement – has to carry all of the weight. Most people have no idea what their 20% is saying to their audience. A clear understanding of our impact on other's is the first step toward building a strong virtual presence.
3. The camera takes away most of our energy. Understanding how to build and channel that energy into a small space (without blowing away your audience) is key to more engaging virtual conversations with others. ?
4. Eye contact is vital to build relationships, express interest and credibility, yet in virtual meetings it is almost nonexistent. Learning and practicing this skill, along with new skills for reading virtual body language is a game-changer.?And those who have adopted it stand out well above the crowd. ??

Fast forward:?

Turning your camera on is just table stakes. Today’s customers are bombarded with virtual meetings and video messages, most of which fail to motivate, inspire or even earn a spot in their memory banks.

As virtual communication continues to mature and be an important part of our lives in 2023 and beyond, don’t get stuck at Level One. The virtual bar has been raised.?And it’s time to decide what side of it you want to be on.

If you're interested in how you or your team can get to Level Two, let's chat!

Cheers!

Julie