Angie, our Managing Director is getting ready for a video call.
What a difference don’t you think?
Communication face to face and on screens/phones feels very different but the
good news is that if you’re good at one, you can be good at the other. It’s about honing your skills!
Being a good communicator online follows similar ground rules than being a good face to face communicator. Here are my 5 key easy tips to make sure you stay on the right track.
1- Be a great listener
This is even more important when communicating remotely. A lot of people believe there’s less risk of being “caught not listening” when on the phone but this isn’t always true. Whilst over 70% of our communication is done through body language, if you’re multitasking people will sense and pick this up. Are you able to sense when someone is doing something else when you’re speaking on the phone? You probably are and that’s my point. Do one thing at a time and give someone your full focus and attention. You will pick up better on various cues and signals and keep the person you’re talking to engaged.
2- Make it environmentally friendly
Your environment is key when using screen communication to help you and the person(s) feel welcomed and at ease. As people feel relaxed, it can help with your connection and therefore help understand each other. This in turn helps people work together with more focus and productivity. Avoid having a meeting in your kitchen or your bedroom when it’s a work call!
3- Treat a screen meeting like a meeting at work
It’s important to keep your intention around work, even if this is in your home. Therefore you need to have the same intention and approach as you would at work. Arrive on time, dress as you would at work, prepare and treat people with the respect you would at work. Having a notepad and pen next to you is always helpful.
4- Don’t make assumptions
When I’m delivering training we look at the word ASSUME. Split up, it makes an ASS out of U and ME.
Being a good communicator online follows the same general principles as being a good communicator in person. You’ll need to be present and pay proper attention when interacting, make sure your tone is intentional and avoid assuming instead of asking. Keep these in mind and you’ll keep developing your communication skills.
5- Relax and take it easy
Some people can feel more uncomfortable and self conscious about communicating on screen. They might think ‘what will the other person think of me?’ ‘I feel too self conscious seeing myself on screen at the same time’. Relax, be yourself and don’t judge yourself. We all have some elements of self judgement and more often than not, the other person is feeling this too.
I hope this was helpful and if you’re interested in reading any of our other blogs on fear and stress, click here. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn where I post regular tips on adapting to change, dealing with stress and more.