While the COVID-19 pandemic may be on the wane, the virtual meeting platforms that it helped to usher in aren’t going anywhere. And while we’ll certainly see new technologies and innovations in the meeting space going forward, it’s doubtful that in-person meetings will come back with the same ubiquity they once held.

Along with this “new normal” comes a “new etiquette” regarding our online body language and virtual meeting protocol. Follow these steps to present your best self in your next online meeting or interview.

Sit Up Straight

Whether you’re working from home or dialing into a virtual meeting from an office or coworking space, it’s far too easy to ignore your posture. When you’re on a Zoom or Hangouts call, don’t slouch back in your chair or lean forward on your desk. Both can be indicators of boredom. Leaning too far forward with your arms crossed on your desk can also come across as aggressive! 

Instead, sit up straight on the edge of your seat to show interest and engagement. Put your hands in a neutral position on the table in front of you. But you don’t have to be a statue. A little movement can help you show attentiveness and enthusiasm for the subject matter. (See #5).

Look At The Webcam

In person, it would feel natural and expected to make eye contact with the people you’re talking to. But in a virtual meeting, it’s not quite so simple. When you look directly at the other participants, your eyes float a bit beneath their natural line of sight. So the best way to look “directly” at others on the call is actually to look at the webcam. 

And while it can be tricky, try to avoid looking at yourself! If you find your own visage too distracting, you can hide yourself from view on most virtual meeting platforms. On Zoom, hover your mouse over the video, and click the three dots. Then choose “Hide Self View.” On Google Meet, hover your cursor over your own image, and click the “minimize” icon, which will collapse your own video.

Frame Yourself Well

If you are seated too far away from your webcam, you’ll look distant and unengaged. But if you’re too close to the camera, you can dominate the screen and cause a distraction. Different built-in and third-party webcams may have their own best-recommended distance. In general, a distance of around 2’ should work. The camera should be far enough away to catch your torso just beneath your underarms while leaving your face in the middle third of the screen. And it should leave enough room for you to move your hands and arms.

Height is another concern. When your webcam is tilted up at you, it may not catch a flattering angle. Raise your computer or camera so that it’s at eye level for a more direct, straight-ahead angle. 

Shut Out Distractions

While Zoom and video calls help us stay connected, the separation also creates distance  between team members. And when your attention is split between the current meeting and any of a dozen distractions, it makes your colleagues feel like an afterthought.

Close the door if your spouse or roommate may be moving around, or if you have a needy pet who will want your attention. Put your phone in another room so you won’t get distracted by notifications. Close or minimize any irrelevant browser tabs. 

Pay your colleagues the compliment of giving them your undivided attention. They’ll notice!

Move About a Bit

It can be harder to show your engagement in a virtual meeting or interview than in person. A little movement can go a long way to show that you’re connecting with the substance of the conversation. 

When speaking, moderate hand gestures can signal enthusiasm. And when you’re listening, nodding along and smiling shows that you’re following the track of the meeting. 

Extra Virtual Meeting Tips:

• Keep your camera muted unless you’re speaking, or if you’re chiming in frequently. Better to unmute when you need to speak rather than risk the entire meeting getting derailed by a doorbell or barking dog.
• Turn your camera on if you can. There are circumstances where a camera may not be appropriate. If you’re sick in bed, but absolutely must attend this one meeting, then it’s probably best to keep the camera off. But in general, aim to keep your camera on so the other participants know that you’re engaged.
• Consider your environment. Make sure there’s enough light in the room and that your background is relatively tidy. 
• Ask for permission before recording. Recording meetings is a great way to keep track of the proceedings. But as a point of etiquette, you should always ask before recording a meeting or interview. While most platforms will make an announcement stating that the meeting is being recorded, it’s still polite to ask first.