January Newsletter

Hey , how have you been?

It is almost February! A new year has started and is running its course, and we are excited to see what it has in store for us. This month, we are taking a glimpse into what the future of work has in store for us. Is it better in-person? Or virtual? Do our emotions impact our work? Our latest podcast episode and our January horoscope will help answer all those questions!

Let's jump right into it.

Communication Secrets Podcast - New Episode alert 🛎

Phil and Angela share the link between emotions, cognition and communication. They also shed a light on the difference between suppression vs expression of emotions, as well the impact it has on our lives - and much more!

Remember! Subscribe and follow the "Communication Secrets" podcast to get notified on our new releases!

Kinesics Monthly Segment

Do you observe? Can you notice? What difference did it make?

Angela, is there any Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication on Zoom?

That is the question that has been asked many times since the beginning of 2020. The answer is not as simple "YES" or "NO". It is more complex and continues to be researched.

On one hand - "YES"! There is planty of non-verbal communication happening video calls! Some of that communication you may have never seen before when being in the room with the person.

On the other hand, the answer is "NO"! Because you are missing a big part of the body by not being in the same room with them, such as the direction of their feet, hands and their centre which are not always visible on a video call.

So... What To Do? How To Navigate This Virtual World?

To navigate this virtual world effectively, there are two parts to consider:

1. Your non-verbal communication 2. Their non-verbal communication.

On Your End - You need to be aware of the information that you give to the other person. For example, don't hide behind a switched-off camera or only show your face. Instead, move the camera a bit further away and a bit lower to give your audience the ability to see more of you. Show your: 1. Full face, 2. Your hands, 3. Make your upper body (your chest, ribcage area) be seen, etc.

Don't be the person who all we can see is their face staring at us... as it can be overwhelming!

Proxemics or, as some may call it, personal space, is as real on camera as it is when you are standing next to someone. We do not stand so close to each other, and especially in a business environment, that all we can see is their face - that would be intimidating and truly uncomfortable. We usually stand about an arm's length away; that way people can see our body language and we can see theirs. This way we can also collect the data we need about them, and see if we can trust them or not.

The bottom line is that it is all about the data! What information are you giving to someone while you are on a Zoom call with them? Even your background communicates! What does that background tell about you or your brand? Can it be a conversation piece that we can build on? Or does it share something personal of you that gives us an ability to connect? Does the background sell the brand you are representing or what you do? It's all data that is both subconscious and conscious to us, and we have a choice to share it or not.

Being virtually present with your camera turned on provides the call participants with an opportunity not only to connect, observe and "read the data", but also mirror each other when it comes to body positioning, intonation, facial expressions and other communication channels (I explain Mirroring more in detail in this article).

Now, ON THEIR END - we cannot control how much of the body they show us, but today's virtual world advantage is that... for the first time in years or ever, you meet your client's and co-worker's in their personal spaces. Before the virtual video call world, it took you hours and possibly many meetings to get some personal information about them to help you build a relationship, closeness, friendship and connection with them. Today, you get a front-row seat into their persons home and living space full of information about them. You can immediately learn about their hobbies, family, what they like for art, culture and other interesting very personal facts that will help you establish a greater more meaningful connection.

Having all that in mind: are we taking advantage of all the non-verbal communication provided to us through the video call? Do we communicate effectively with its help, and do we utilize it to read the data that others give and give off to us?

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Want to know more about non-verbal communication and body-language?

Our Favorite Quote of the Month:

Do you have an even coming up? Inquiries about Keynotes, Corporate Training, or upcoming Seminars - email: [email protected]

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