How to make a good impression on video- Digital body language

The utmost form of respect is to give sincerely of your presence.
Mollie Marti

During the pandemic we all learned what it meant to have our presence, appearance and voice broadcasted – not on tv (not necessarily), but to others via screen. We basically became tv personalities over night. Interestingly with remote work and more and more international cooperations some people still feel very uncomfortable when it comes to video calls and interviews.

People are afraid and worried that video puts their lack of a great body language and appearance onto a silver plate and exploits their weaknesses.

But some simple tips can help you to manage your impression on video.

What is body language?

Body language is traditionally referred not to as a form of non-verbal communication – but the form of non-verbal communication.
Body language includes physical behaviour like gestures, expressions but also mannerism that is displayed to communicate with others.

Why is body language important?

Based on the experiences and results of a psychologic study conducted by Albert Mehrabian words account only for 7 %, vocal displays of language for 38% but body language for 55% in a one-on-one conversation which is highly emotional.
Sure you don’t find yourself always in a one- on- one conversation about highly emotional issues, but all in all we can establish based on these findings that how you convey your message is as important as the content of your message.
Those who manage how others perceive them (impression management) hence usually enjoy greater success.

Why is digital body language different?

Digital body language is not that different from in person body language. The difference though is that with the use of digital formats like FaceTime or Zoom we basically find ourselves on a tv interview.

Consequently the tips that before the use of Zoom and Co. only found affirmation by professional tv presenter and public personas are now applicable for everyone.

How do I make a good impression on video calls?

The following tips aim to help you to make a good appearance and impression on a video call or interview:

• Place the camera on the height of your eyes.

• Adjust your body, so that you are able to look directly into the camera.

• Aim for a high % of eye contact by looking into your camera, rather than on how you appear on screen. Stare into the lease of your camera- even when you are not talking.

• Place your feet in front of you on the ground, sit straight and align your posture.

• Adjust your posture by leaning just a little bit forward.

• If it is possible for you, stand instead of sit during your video call.

• Try to be an energetic but professional version of yourself. It might help you to speak 10-15% louder like you used to.

• Use an engaging timbre (tone, pitch, pace) of your voice according to the presented material.

• Eliminate verbal fillers in your speech.

• Keep your hands on your lap close to your knees and nest the hands together.

• Use professional hand gestures during your speech.

• Wear plain solid coloured shirts or blouses. Avoid patterns and logos displays with your clothes.

• Choose in general neutral and darker colours for your attire.

• Add variation to your clothes by using high color contrasts to convey more strengths and authortism; but use monochromatic looks when you want to convey warmth or a rather neutral position.

• Use V-neck or scoop necks if you want to appear slimmer.

• Use long sleeved shirts to appear more professional( as a woman; or man who wears non formal attire)

• Brush your lapels and shoulders if they might be adorned with dandruff, pet hair etc.

• If you decide to wear jewellery, limit it to max. three pieces which are minimalistic in style ( especially not too shiny) and won’t make noises while you move and adjust your body.

• Avoid shiny or brightly coloured glass frames. (Tip: You can apply powder to limit the shininess of your glasses on camera.)

• The ideal frame color of your glasses matches your hair color.

• Stay away from tinted or non glare-resistant lenses when you buy glasses.

• Make sure your glasses don’t obscure your face or dominant too much the visual appearance of your face. Choose an appropriate size.

• Focus with your make-up on the appearance of your skin and eyes.

• Avoid shimmer/glitter and limit the make up to neutral colours that enhance your natural appearance instead of modelling it in a different way.

• Avoid black eyeliner- use brown or grey instead.

• Your hair should be a flattering frame for your face.

• Use a brush, instead of a comb to add volume.

• Especially for men: Hairstyles that look generally best cover the top halves of the ears and reach down almost to the collar of the back.

• If you are bald, limit the shine of your scalp by using powder.

• Slightly nod your head while listening.

• Be engaged and offer a slight smile.

• Display forms of gratitude by thanking for the invitation or for each others time.

What we learn only through the ears makes less impression upon our minds than what is presented to the trustworthy eye.
Horace

Resources and further reading material:

• Dhawan, E. (2021) Digital Body Language, NYC, St. Martins Press

• Navarro, J. (2008), What every body is saying, NYC, Harper

• Phillips, B. (2021) The Media Training Bible, NYC, Speak Good Press