Then, we\u2019ll deal with the importance of body language<\/strong> in virtual meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, we\u2019ll give you some tips for improving your body language<\/strong> during virtual meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Simplify team communication and collaborate more effectively. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n What do we actually mean when we say \u201cbody language\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n We communicate with one another both verbally and nonverbally. That being said, body language is nonverbal communication and it consists of: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Facial expressions, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Gaze, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Gestures,<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Posture,<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Self-representation,<\/strong> and <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Bodily contact.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We use all of these components, except bodily contact, when we communicate virtually, via video calls<\/a>, as they help us reveal our physical, mental, and emotional states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind, though, that much of our nonverbal communication is unconscious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, there are some things we can do to control our body language and use it in our favor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we dive into tips for improving your body language during virtual meetings, let\u2019s see why nonverbal communication is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost 50 years ago, while commenting on the Watergate scandal that led to his resignation, Richard Nixon gave his famous \u201cI am not a crook\u201d<\/em><\/a> speech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What made this sentence stand out from the rest of the speech is the body language he used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, while uttering these words, Nixon nodded his head, which means \u201cYes\u201d<\/em> \u2014 his body just had to<\/em> speak the truth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, yes, the power of body language is immense \u2014 it conveys to others what we really feel about something, whether we want it or not<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, this power doesn\u2019t diminish during virtual meetings \u2014 your body language shows your confidence <\/strong>and commitment<\/strong>, or lack thereof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, it is maybe the most effective way of conveying your emotions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your nonverbal communication cues tell a lot about you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, if you want to communicate more effectively with your teammates<\/a>, it\u2019s clear that you have to become more sensitive to your own body language, as well as the body language of your coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Secure and reliable team communication app for professionals. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n In his paper The Importance of Effective Communication, <\/em>Edward G. Wertheim stated that nonverbal communication can play 5 roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we established why body language is important and considered its roles, it\u2019s time to help you improve your nonverbal communication with some advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re dealing with video conferences with more people, or one-on-one meetings via Pumble<\/a>, the fact is that you will and should use body language to communicate more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n Explore Pumble’s Video Conferencing feature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are 10 tips that would make you a better nonverbal communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual meetings allow you to decide how much you want to be visible to the other meeting attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It would be perfect if you could frame your image in a way that shows your shoulders, torso, and hands \u2014 and not just your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This would help the other participants easier interpret your body language, by observing your posture and hand gesturing. <\/p>\n\n\n Remember that framing is especially important if you do a lot of hand gesturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just keep in mind that you mustn\u2019t be too close to the camera lens, so your teammates could see your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you shouldn\u2019t be too far away either because you want them to see your facial expressions as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rule of thumb is to have your head, shoulders, and the top of your torso in the frame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve covered the framing of your image during virtual meetings, the next step is to consider your posture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, you need to be aware<\/em> of your posture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s see what you shouldn\u2019t do \u2014 and then, what you should<\/em> do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u274c Posture DON\u2019Ts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Posture DOs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Empower your team and boost productivity in real time. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n In their book The Definitive Book of Body Language<\/em><\/a>, body language experts Alan and Barbara Pease state that touching your face \u2014 whether it\u2019s scratching your nose, playing with your hair, or covering your mouth \u2014 usually suggests deception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it may also mean that you\u2019re nervous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That is precisely why you should avoid touching your face or hair \u2014 you don\u2019t want to appear insecure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of rubbing your eyes, covering your mouth, or playing with your hair, try raising your eyebrows to show interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, if you want to show that you agree with what your coworker is saying, lightly nod your head in agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your hands shouldn\u2019t come near your face \u2014 keep them on your lap, or take notes to keep them busy (and do something useful). <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most frequent conundrums concerning body language during virtual meetings is certainly where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you look at the facilitator of the meeting<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or at your other coworkers and meeting attendees? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Actually, the proper conduct is to look at the camera because you want to simulate looking into your coworkers\u2019 eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since looking at the camera lens doesn\u2019t feel natural, when talking during meetings, maybe you could alternate between looking directly at the camera and the computer screen, at your coworkers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it\u2019s not easy, it might be worth a try \u2014 if you want your coworkers to get the impression that you\u2019re looking them in the eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, be careful when conducting international virtual meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to cultural differences, you might end up offending someone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Richard D. Lewis writes, in his book When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures<\/em><\/a>, in the US, Spain, Greece, and Arab countries, it is perfectly acceptable and desirable to maintain eye contact with your coworkers and business associates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing so only reinforces your position and message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in Japan, eye contact is considered rude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a matter of fact, Japanese business people avoid eye contact 90% of the time. Instead, they look at a speaker\u2019s neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, be careful who you\u2019re having a virtual meeting with, and act accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need more advice on effective intercultural communication, check out our blog post on perfecting cross-cultural communication in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to get on the right track with your coworkers from the beginning of your virtual meeting, all you have to do is smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re dealing with new colleagues or clients, don\u2019t forget to smile when you greet them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will ensure that your meeting will run smoothly and that the atmosphere will be positive and constructive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, once again, be careful when dealing with colleagues from different cultures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because, it\u2019s not exactly as Louis Armstrong sang \u2014it\u2019s not completely true that when you smile, the whole world smiles with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the paper Be Careful Where You Smile: Culture Shapes Judgments of Intelligence and Honesty of Smiling Individuals<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>evidence suggests that, in some cultures, smiling is perceived as a sign of foolishness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Russians even have a proverb \u201cSmiling with no reason is a sign of stupidity.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar beliefs are held by Norwegians and Poles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when you smile, be careful who you\u2019re talking to \u2014 you don\u2019t want to be perceived as foolish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Reinforce your team. Choose how you communicate. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n Speaking of smiling, it wouldn\u2019t hurt to briefly go over other facial expressions as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, during virtual meetings, you should avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your safest bet is to smile slightly throughout the meeting and raise your eyebrows to show that you are interested in what the other person is saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u200b\u200bDid you know there are high-power and low-power poses you can use to influence other people\u2019s opinions of you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n In her famous TED Talk, Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are<\/a>, Amy Cuddy distinguishes between these two types of poses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n She argues that so-called power posing \u2014 <\/em>changing your body language so that it makes you more confident (just picture Wonder Woman\u2019s power stance<\/a>) \u2014 is more effective than telling yourself how great you are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use power posing even during your virtual meetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All you have to do is take up space on the screen in a way that makes you look confident and engaged<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, position yourself close enough to the camera, to exude confidence \u2014 but, be careful not to look like you\u2019re invading your coworkers\u2019 personal space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you pride yourself on being an amazing multitasker? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you feel like checking emails during your virtual meetings isn\u2019t distracting you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n We have bad news for you \u2014 multitasking doesn\u2019t work<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, what we call multitasking<\/em> is actually task<\/em> switching<\/em> \u2014 doing individual tasks in rapid succession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you like it or not, we are monotaskers<\/em> \u2014 so forget about that email while on a virtual call with your coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from looking<\/em> disrespectful towards your colleagues, checking your email on your phone means you\u2019re not fully listening to the speaker \u2014 which really shows<\/em> a lack of respect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only multitasking you can<\/em> and should do during your virtual meeting is drinking your coffee and listening to the speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you notice that performers and public speakers always use their hands to direct the attention of their audience? <\/p>\n\n\n\n That is because we can\u2019t help but look at someone\u2019s hands when they are in motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to direct the attention of your coworkers to what you’re saying, don\u2019t refrain from using your hands while speaking to them during virtual meetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It shows them that you\u2019re enthusiastic and engaged in the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, you should pay attention to where the other meeting attendees are from, to avoid miscommunication. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, making an OK sign with your hand \ud83d\udc4cis considered rude in some countries. In Brazil, it\u2019s the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Strengthen your team. Try Pumble, the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n Last but not least, you should learn to read the room, or, in this case, a virtual room on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication \u2014 verbal and nonverbal \u2014 is a two-way street. To improve your body language, you need to pay attention to the other party as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It would be nice to have a Babel fish for translating nonverbal signs<\/a> \u2014 but, since we don\u2019t have it, we have to become more observant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, to boost your nonverbal communication skills, even during virtual meetings, here\u2019s what you should do: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you struggle with two-way communication in the workplace, read our blog post about making two-way communication successful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve already taken the first step towards improving your nonverbal communication \u2014 you\u2019re aware of the nonverbal signals and know that they can be honed, and have our 10 tips at your disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, if your team uses Pumble by CAKE.com<\/a> for communication and collaboration, you\u2019ll be able to apply all this new knowledge quickly and easily.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumble allows teams of all sizes to conduct virtual meetings effortlessly thanks to its numerous features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Pumble, virtual meetings are only a click away. Do you want to see how Pumble can transform your future meetings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nComponents of body language<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why is body language important in virtual meetings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n5 Roles of nonverbal communication in virtual meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10 Tips for improving body language during virtual meetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Video-calls-in-Pumble-a-team-messaging-app.png\")
Tip #1: Pay attention to how you frame yourself on screen <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Framing](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Framing-in-Pumble.png\")
Tip #2 Be aware of your posture <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nTip #3 Avoid touching the face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip #4 Look at the camera, not the screen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #5 Don\u2019t forget to smile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nTip #6 Pay attention to your facial expressions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #7 Take up space <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #8 Avoid multitasking <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip #9 Be mindful of your hand gestures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nTip #10 Read the room <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Be the star of all your virtual meetings with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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