A question we’re being asked a lot right now is how to effectively communicate digitally? What I think worries people most is a perceived lack of connection.
Under normal circumstances, if you were meeting with a client, colleagues or potential new employee you’d think about what the best meeting room would be, how you wanted to present the information you’d be sharing, even what clothes to wear.
Digital meetings shouldn’t be given any less consideration just because you’re able to connect with the click of a button. Regardless of the platform you use, our advice is to stage a digital experience.
Now, by stage I don’t mean fake or insincere, I’m talking about planning. For instance, what impression do you want to make? That your organization is:
- Innovative
- Creative
- Professional
How can that be reflected in the digital experience you provide? And remember, the more sensory any experience is, the more engaging. Let’s start with a basic, what are participants seeing?
- Choose a background that’s appropriate for the conversation and reinforces the message you want to send. Raise your computer camera so that it is level with your face and avoid background windows that can turn you into a dark silhouette against bright light.
- What are you wearing? Is it respectful of your audience and appropriate for the type of experience you want to create for the topic to be discussed? Or will it just show how comfortable you can be where you are?
Let me give you a heads up. Yes, viewers may only see you from the waste up, but watch out for what we’re calling the yoga-pant effect. Even though on screen you appear dressed appropriately, if you’re too comfortable, you find yourself treating the conversation too casually, maybe even inappropriately.
- Set up a test connection to check out the picture you’ll be projecting ahead of your digital meeting to make any changes.
Visually, it’s more than just about you. For an experience to be engaging it must be interesting – and sharing your screen can help with that. Create visuals and moving graphics that add value to what you are communicating.
- Looking at something together can also increase connection.
What are participants hearing? (of course, check your audio – advance text…)
- Plan ahead for reducing awkward pauses. If you’ll be asking participants for their questions, have one or two planted in advance to get the ball rolling. It can take a while for digital audiences to warm up.
- Have materials ready that you’ll be sharing on screen to avoid clumsy breaks in conversation.
- If it’s a large group that will be assembling, you may even want to consider playing music while people sign on. It’s also a great way to create a mood for your digital exchange.
That brings us to, what you want your digital audience to feel?
- Take time to greet people, introduce yourself and even make small talk that helps people feel welcome, just like you would normally do in person.
Intentionally building warmth into the agenda is important for creating connection.
Because the digital communications we’re relying on is convenient, doesn’t mean it can’t be engaging – it just takes some planning for the kind of experience you want to deliver.
I’m Kelli Newman and this has been a Minute with Messaging™. For past episodes of a Minute with Messaging, and to learn how your organization can benefit from Newman & Newman’s communication strategies, visit our website at NEWMANandNEWMANinc.com.
