Ever feel like you don’t sound confident during video meetings? You’re not alone! The good news is that sounding confident isn’t about faking it—it’s about making small changes that can make a big difference.
Let me share three simple tips that helped me build my confidence and crush my virtual meetings.
Leading Virtual Meetings
When I first started leading remote meetings, I thought as long as I said the right things, everything would be fine. But I was wrong! I quickly realized that in virtual meetings, how you present yourself matters just as much as what you say.
I remember one meeting where I was pitching an idea to senior executives. I could see on their faces that something was off, and my words weren’t landing the way I hoped. By the end of the call, I knew I hadn’t made the impact I wanted.
It took me a while to figure out what went wrong. I was so focused on what I was saying that I didn’t think about my body language or how I was coming across on camera.
My biggest mistake? Not making eye contact with the webcam. It’s like looking at your phone when someone’s talking to you in person. Even though I was engaged, it didn’t look like it, and that sent the wrong message.
After that experience, I made a few changes. After some trial and error, I found three simple things that completely changed how I show up in virtual meetings.
3 Ways to Look More Confident in Virtual Meetings
Looking confident in video meetings can make a big difference in how people respond to you. These three simple tips will help you look more confident and keep your audience engaged.
1. Look Directly at the Webcam
One of the easiest ways to come across as confident is to make eye contact with the webcam. It helps the audience feel like you’re talking directly to them, which builds trust and connection.
Put a sticky note with an arrow pointing at the webcam to remind you to look there when speaking. It’s a small trick, but it makes a huge difference!
2. Sit Up Straight and Lean In
Your posture speaks volumes. Sitting up straight and leaning in slightly shows you’re engaged and paying attention.
Before your meeting, adjust your chair to support your back and position your camera at eye level. This will help you stay upright and look focused throughout the call.
3. Use Your Hands to Emphasize Key Points
Using hand gestures helps keep the conversation dynamic and highlights important points. Don’t be afraid to use them!
Practice using hand gestures in front of a mirror or during a practice call. Keep them simple and natural to avoid distractions while emphasizing key points.
With these easy tips, you’ll feel and look more confident during video meetings, helping you connect better with your audience.
Conclusion
These three tips may seem small, but they can completely change how you come across in virtual meetings. Looking at the webcam, sitting up straight, and using your hands all show confidence and help you make a stronger impact.
Try these out in your next meeting and see how much more confident you feel—and how much better your audience responds!
