Over the last month as we have shifted to mediating and arbitrating via video and phone, I am constantly working to improve my video skills. Below are a few basic tips that might be helpful to remember whether you are new to video conferencing or this is old hat!
EYE CONTACT - Eye contact remains a crucial way to signal to your audience that you see and hear them. It can be tricky with video calls to know where to look. One thing for sure, don’t look at yourself. If you have set up properly, you should be confident enough to close down your self-view (this is an option on Zoom) and free yourself up to connect more directly with your audience.
LISTENING - Active listening goes a long way over skype or Zoom. A slight head tilt and occasional head nods will let your audience know you are very much with them and not thousands of miles away. You can also use arched eyebrows to signal silently when someone makes a good point.