Work meetings have gone online this year, meaning that zoom conference calls have become the norm. While we’ve gotten used to working in the digital realm, it’s still a little difficult to know how to make an impact through a screen. It’s so easy to get distracted when you’re in the comfort of your own home, or to be put off by your over-prepared colleagues. So, how do you make your voice heard? Let us tell you!
Be On Time
It sounds a bit silly to be speaking about punctuality when we don’t actually have to go anywhere, but if you are late to a conference call, it is possibly even more noticeable than when you are late to an IRL meeting. Make sure that you are in the “room” from the moment the meeting begins, that way you’ll be able to follow the conversation more easily. (Bonus points for those there five minutes early)
Speak Early
Sometimes being the last to speak can make us nervous. So the best way to get round this is to make your comments from the get-go! If you are the first to speak, then it is unlikely that anyone else will steal what you had in mind too.
Befriend The People In The Room
If the meeting is an in-house conference call, it’s a good idea to ensure that you are on good terms with everyone, and that you’re up-to-date with what your colleagues are doing. If you are friendly with the people you are working with, not only will you be less nervous about contributing, but they are also likely to ask for your advice or opinions too.
Keep A Cheat Sheet
Preparation is key. During the discussion you may forget what you wanted to say, so it’s a good idea to make some notes to have on hand in case you might need them during the call. Since you’ll be on a webcam, nobody has to know that you have a piece of paper hidden on your lap!
Focus On The Camera
Eye contact makes all the difference. When you’re online, the camera is the eye contact you need to zone in on. This is actually helpful, because it means you don’t have to look directly at your colleagues, so you’re less likely to be distracted.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
