In today's digital age, mastering virtual communication is essential. In this episode of "Rate My Video," I review clips of former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to uncover virtual leadership secrets on connecting with your remote audience. By examining Psaki’s presentation mistakes and strengths, I aim to provide valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their virtual presence.
The Importance of Proper Framing
How you are framed on screen says a lot to your virtual audience. In one clip, Psaki’s ceiling is visible, and she is hunched forward with part of her forehead cut off. This poor framing creates an unnatural and distracting view, making it difficult for the audience to focus. Proper framing mirrors the natural eye level view you would have in an in-person conversation, helping the audience feel more comfortable and engaged.
Eye Contact: The Key to Connection
Eye contact is essential in virtual communication as it establishes a connection and conveys confidence and attentiveness. In one video, Jen’s attempt to be ‘less formal’ and more intimate results in her looking down, which backfires by making the audience feel less like she is talking to them.
Body Language and Personal Space
Body language plays a vital role in virtual presence and communications. In Psaki's video, a hand frequently comes up towards the camera, breaking what I refer to as the "pane of glass." This imaginary barrier helps maintain personal space in virtual interactions. Breaking this barrier can be distracting and intrusive. Maintaining appropriate body language and avoiding excessive movements helps keep the audience focused on the message.
Go-To Moves
Repetitive movements can also detract from a presentation. Psaki has a recurring hand movement, which I call a "go-to move." While some movement is natural and can be engaging, repetitive gestures can make the presenter appear nervous and draw attention away from the content. Being mindful of such habits and minimizing them helps maintain a polished and professional appearance.
Balancing Formality and Engagement
It’s not necessary to be “formal” in all virtual communications, however letting up on good virtual behaviors in an effort to be ‘informal’ is a common mistake that falls well short of its goal. While being engaging and personable is important for leaders and teams, it should not come at the expense of professionalism and effective communication practices. Balancing formality with engagement ensures the audience perceives the leaders as credible, confident and approachable.
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