It Don’t Mean A Thing If You’re Not The Skype Type!
Doo-wah doo-wah doo-wah!
Talking to family and friends via Skype and iChat? Why not apply that capability at work? These video-over-the-Internet tools have the potential to change the way you handle business. That said, how you perform on webcam can make or break a potential deal.
• Sit back naturally so your features appear in proper dimension. Leaning into the camera makes your head loom bigger than Jay Leno’s chin.
• Look at the camera, not the monitor, for "direct eye contact." Even better, position a free-standing camera in front of your computer screen. Now you appear to be talking eye to eye with your audience.
• Act as you would in the room with your counterpart, even if that "room" is halfway across the world. Otherwise, your physical discomfort and robotic speech will ruin your professionalism.
So use that webcam to save airfare dollars, avoid weather-related travel frustrations or just have a quick conversation. It is a readily available and free (or low-cost at worst) way to increase your relationships with potential clients -- if you have the skills to interact well on camera and monitor.
From Claudia Coplon and Steve Clements, Executive Speak/Write’s oral and written communications trainers who can make sure your on-camera and on-paper performance improves business.
