Let’s face it: virtual meetings can be dull. They lack the excitement and interest of their real-world counterparts, often seeming devoid of anything meaningful or inspiring. However, virtual meetings don’t have to be a total snorefest; they can actually be energizing. Meetings are major personal brand builders too.
Here’s how you can wake up those dreaded Zoom meetings and position yourself as the MVP (Most Valuable Participant):
1. Amp Up Your Presence
Despite the fact that virtual meetings have been the standard for most organizations for a few years, many professionals have yet to master the basics:
Lighting. Position a light source in front of you to evenly illuminate your face, avoiding the silhouette or witness protection program look.
Camera. Align your camera with your face so that people can see your sparkling eyes, rather than your nostrils or ceiling fan. Make sure to look directly at the camera to connect. Use the rule of thirds to center yourself in the frame, keeping the focus on you.
Wardrobe. You don’t need a suit or stilettos, but take pride in your appearance. Dress at the higher end of the scale of what’s typical at your workplace. Show that you mean business. Studies show that dressing professionally makes you better able to demonstrate your creativity, too.
Props. Let your personality shine. For instance, a colleague who’s a coffee aficionado and collector of coffee mugs from around the world uses a different coffee mug each day. This sparks conversations and adds a sense of fun to routine meetings.
Signature Shtick. Consistency helps you stand out. Consider sharing a daily joke, inspirational quote, or relevant stat. For example, a Creative Director who is passionate about color features a different Pantone Matching System (PMS) color each day. Create your own branded ritual.
Stance. Stand up to stand out. This signals, “Listen up, people.” It’s also a great opportunity to get out of your chair and get your blood flowing.
2. Curate Your Set Design
Use a Green Screen. Say goodbye to dull virtual backgrounds and invest in a portable green screen to control your set design. It can be annoying when your head starts blending into the sky or the artwork in the background.
Reflect Your Passions. Surround yourself with art, photos, or virtual backgrounds that showcase your interests. Use your passions to create interest and connections.
Use a Dynamic Backdrop. To truly stand out, skip static backgrounds and opt for subtle animated scenery to pique interest without overwhelming your audience. You can create your own video background or purchase one from places like iStock or Shutterstock.
Customize. Design relevant virtual backgrounds for special meetings. For instance, if you’re discussing an upcoming team trip to Vegas, place yourself in front of the Bellagio fountains.
Change Locations. Freshen up your backdrop by moving to different rooms or desks during recurring meetings to keep things unexpected.
3. Boost Participation And Fun
Get Interactive. Incorporate polls, quizzes, and whiteboards to increase engagement. Think of virtual meetings as more of a party than a dry, dull part of the workday.
Tech It Up. Enhance your presentations with tools like Prezi and mmhmm to create an engaging multimedia experience for meeting participants. These tools embed you in your presentation.
Visualize Content. On small screens, less text and larger fonts stand out. Use 32pt font or larger, and limit yourself to 12 words or fewer per slide. Add images and videos to provide a visual treat for fellow meeting participants.
Remember, all the world’s a stage, so perform like a star. Treat virtual meetings as a chance to shine and bolster your personal brand. With a little planning and practice, you’ll be the highlight of every meeting.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and creator of the 360Reach Personal Brand Survey that helps you get candid, meaningful feedback from people who know you.