The State of Virtual Communication: 2023
It’s been three years since most of us were forced to go virtual, so it’s a good time to ask: What is the state of virtual communication in 2023? Although in-person meetings are back in the mix, many people are continuing to work and communicate remotely. In fact, recent research shows that trend continuing:
- Post-Covid, 72 percent of organizations expect to have fewer in-person meetings.
- According to Microsoft, 82 percent of managers expect more flexible and home working. And 71 percent of workers and managers want to continue with some remote work.
Despite the heavy reliance on virtual communications to get business done, most people are still struggling with the same challenges they had three years ago. Like, “how do I make eye contact with my audience? How do I read their body language? What do I do if my customer doesn’t have their camera on? Why are people so passive on video? How do I manage three screens and 50 people and my platform and notes…?”
It begs the question: Why are we stuck having second-class interactions and results?
Level One Virtual Communication: Technology Focus
When we first got on camera, most people were new to the virtual landscape and it was very technology focused. People were told to get a camera, a platform, and then basically just do what they did in person on camera. Our efforts were focused on the bare minimum necessities of communication: Can you see me? Can you hear me? Can you see my screen?
The problem with Level One is that it is a subpar experience for you and your audience. It can’t help but pale in comparison to live interactions. Level One may be a “comfy” spot for people to hang out in, but it is not going to help us build the relationships, credibility, or collaboration in a more virtual savvy world. That’s why we need to get to the next level.
Level Two Virtual Communication: Connection Focus
Level Two moves our virtual communication closer to that in-person experience by focusing on how we connect through the camera. It acknowledges that a new medium requires new skills and utilizes those skills to make other people feel seen, heard, and understood. Level Two is using the camera at its highest potential so that we can connect and share our most credible, confident selves with others virtually.
As virtual communication continues to be an important part of our lives in 2023 and beyond, as remote work, distance learning, and online social interactions have become more common and accepted, don’t get stuck at Level One. Find out what it takes to get you or your team to the Next Level by clicking on the link below.
