by Dr Laura Camacho, founder of Mixonian Institute
Video is where it's at. Whether it's a job interview or early-stage pitch or other key meeting, video is faster, cheaper and more convenient than in-person, yet more personal than talking on the phone.
As for any meeting anywhere, you want to prepare. Preparation leads to confidence. Be able to say why you are interested in this specific opportunity with this specific company. Connect the dots for your audience.
Technical things to check before the video conference:
- Make sure your Skype username and profile picture are professionally appropriate.
- For Skype, check your status, and be sure your location is up to date.
- Test out your video and audio quality.
- Ensure there is enough light to show your face clearly.
- Check out the background view to make sure your bathing suit isn't hanging off the shelf.
- Close out of all of your browsers and silence your phone
Eye contact is another confidence cue. Look at the camera (not the screen). Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they can't see you!
- Wear solid colors, nothing too busy. You want folks to pay attention to you, not what you are wearing.
- Hair Make-up and Accessories--less is more. You want them paying attention to what you are presenting, not being distracted with your appearance.
- Sit up straight, don't slouch (like your mother used to say.)
- Setting--make sure the setting in which you are filming is clean, tidy, and organized. People are easily distracted so if you have a lot going on behind you then you can be sure they will focus on that and not on you!
- Speak distinctly, clearly, slowly. Your conference may be viewed around the world. Give those, wherever they may be, the opportunity to benefit from your presentation by communicating it clearly.
- Breathe! Take a deep breath or two or three before you start to help focus and calm your nerves.
A video conference of any sort is ‘show time’. Do your homework, stretch beforehand and have fun with it.
Laura Camacho, MBA, PhD, PMP, is an executive coach, trainer and speaker who opened Mixonian Institute in 2009 to rid the world of boring business communication. She has created innovative training programs for local and international companies, related to leadership effectiveness, excellent feedback, growth mindset and emotional intelligence. Multilingual, Dr. Camacho’s career highlights include facilitating The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (in Spanish,) being editor of the leading management newsletter in Venezuela. For 10 years she taught communication classes at ECU and College of Charleston. www.mixonian.com
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