Bring IN-PERSON impact to ONLINE meetings

The shift towards online meetings/coaching/webinars has been brilliant in so many ways, but it can also create a bit of a barrier when it comes to communication.

Let's face it, engaging colleagues/clients online is a different ball game - but fortunately it's one we can win (with the flair of Chloe Kelly scoring for England!) ...you just need to know how!

Here are 4 small shifts you can put into practice right now....

1. Look into the camera, not just at the screen

Try it - ask a colleague to look directly into the camera next time you're on a video call - it's a really subtle shift but you really feel like they're looking at you!

Now in practice, obviously you want to be connecting with the others on your call, so you'll still want to look at them on your screen too. But every now and then, take a moment to look down the camera and let your clients/colleagues really feel seen.

2. Vary your pitch & tone more than in real life

When you've got a screen between you & a client/colleague it just kinda takes the edge off whatever you're doing (makes it a bit more beige!) - so if you want to be creating impact online, you have to work that bit harder to connect (sorry folks!)

This means you want to be varying your pitch more and using a wider range of intonation to...

A) Stop your clients/colleagues drifting off - surprising their minds with different sounds will help keep them engaged

B) Guide them through your speech to feel the emotions you want to evoke

C) Intrigue them - if they don't know what to expect, they'll be more keen to listen

3. Be deliberate about gestures

If you wave your hands around near the camera too much, it will feel a bit aggressive to viewers. If you don't use any gesture at all (or they're not visible on camera) it can feel robotic.

You want to be using clear gestures that are visible on the screen but not too close to the camera - ones that really help to emphasise your important & emotive points.

4. Diction. Diction. Diction.

If online calling makes pitch a bit vague, then it makes diction as clear as driving on a foggy morning with the sun in your eyes! I joke - but unless you have a studio quality mic, everyone has perfect internet, and they have pro headphones - it's likely that not every sound is going to make it through...

So, take back control - speak with greater clarity of diction than you usually need to and reduce your normal speed a bit (I don't mean only speak slowly - PLEASE DO keep variety in your speed!! Just reduce everything by 10%).

BONUS THOUGHT (cause why not!)

5. Be genuine

Genuine heartfelt emotion and intention will come across on camera so don't fake it - all of the above is about effectively communicating with authentic expression and emphasising your true self...so start there and make it bigger.... and you'll have them leaning in and connecting in no time ✨

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That's it for today folks! If you found this valuable, please share 🙏🏻 it would absolutely make my day!

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Hi, I'm Lydia Shaw!

I’m a voice & mindset coach with a passion for lifting up women into their prime.

I help knowledgeable, hard-working female leaders & business owners to speak with impact, authority and confidence - allowing them to take their careers & businesses to the next level.

Originally from the New Forest, I now live in a nice leafy surburb of London🍃

I'm friendly, fun and efficient! I've helped lots of women just like you to transform into confident, flourishing speakers - through my group workshops, 1:1 coaching & articles.

But you are unique - everyone has different needs and I love creating bespoke coaching plans for all my clients to get them from their own A to B - depending on their personality, concerns, hopes and goals.

I can't wait to help you shine and express your expertise in a way that leaves a lasting impression on everyone around you! 💥