You Never Do This In Person

After some chit-chat with colleagues, you grab a cup of coffee, find your seat at the conference table as the meeting is about to begin. Your boss walks in, carrying a step ladder, climbs up the ladder and takes his seat perched at the top. He’s looking down. You’re looking up – not exactly seeing eye to eye.

We know this would never happen in person – but it’s happening all too often in virtual meetings. You know the view: you see their ceiling, up their nose and you feel you’re being hovered over. Seriously friends – there’s good reasons – important reasons – to always have your camera at eye level.

3 Reasons To See Straight

 

1. Eye Contact Matters – Even More On Zoom

Scientist have shown making eye contact stimulates the social brain – the areas of our brain that help us respond to others. Eye contact is non-verbal communication, but speaks loud and clear and says, ” I see you and I’m paying attention.” If you are seeking to promote greater connection, build a stronger relationship with your client or colleagues, then set your camera at eye level and look into the camera when you are speaking.

 

2. You Are In The Room – Fully Present

At the first session of my Elevate Your Virtual Impact training, Andy, an attendee had his camera far below eye level. Add that Andy is 6 ft. tall and you can probably imagine how he towered above the rest of us. (Boss on the ladder image!).

As I taught the importance of camera placement, he began adjusting his camera. The moment Andy’s camera leveled with his eyes, he entered the room. He was at the table. He was fully present. This simple adjustment seems subtle. It’s not. It’s imperative.

 

3. Your Neck Will Thank You

I just learned a new term: Text Neck. Given the hours spent looking downward on your computer and phone – it’s a fitting term. With this slightly curved posture, the tightness or pain you feel is your neck and back yelling, “hey…could you sit up straight today?”

Your head weighs approximately 10lbs. Drop it slightly forward and your neck muscles are doing all the work. By lifting your camera to eye level – you’re making a wise ergonomic decision. You’ll sit taller, appear more confident and feel much better at the end of the day.

Now you know to bring your camera to eye level, extend your spine, enter the room, fully present and ready to get to work.