Improving Skills In Relationship-Driven Communications
September 2009
”Flying Free”
While business success demands national and international interactions, travel dollars are still on the decline. How do you increase your bottom line without earning more "road warrior" stripes? The solution to costly airline travel is right on your computer -- your built-in (or purchased) webcam.
Before you attempt teleconferencing, however, you must have the ability to project personality and business acumen on camera as well as you would in person. Just look at the recent Do You Want To Be A Millionaire? prime-time run. Celebrity experts "on hand" to answer questions appeared on webcam via Skype. These leading newsmen, authors, scientists and others were accustomed to television cameras, but did not have the skills to use a webcam. In every instance, they:
- Leaned into the camera or screen, beaming a distorted face into our living rooms. - Made small back-and-forth moves -- disconcerting motions that diminished their aura of authority.
Learn how to perform for that webcam. Train and practice so you are as effective "flying free" as you are flying in. Then log on, have your meeting and enjoy life without stripping down at security. By the way, while services like Skype charge a reasonable fee, you also may want to explore no-fee options like http://www.tokbox.com.
From Executive Speak/Write's Steve Clements and Claudia Coplon, oral and written communications trainers who want to ensure your communications skills attract your audience and convey your message.
