A Case for the Webcam
Why webcams are a gift for sales, relationships, productivity, and more! Plus, 4 game-changing tips for webcam success!
In the not-so-distant past, many people fantasized about the science-fiction-like technology of the camera phone. The mere idea of communicating with loved ones or co-workers in such a simulated reality was dreamy. We humans thought that syncing a live, real-time moving image of a person with the sound of their voice would be to the telephone what the telephone was to the telegraph, and it is. With each iteration of communication technology, we are more easily and quickly able to build relationships.
Using a camera during online meetings is more common than ever but hardly ubiquitous — Yet. This article will explore why using our webcams is often met with discomfort and why embracing the camera’s use during online meetings may be the latest, most extraordinary gift to your bottom line — pandemic or not.
Why is there such a resistance to using the webcam during online meetings?
Our dreams have come true! We finally have the technology we have been wanting. Amazing! Unfortunately, not everyone is so thrilled. Many people inherently know the webcam as the best tool we have for establishing, building, and maintaining relationships when geographically separated, as it allows the closest real-life meeting simulation currently available. Despite this intrinsic knowledge, however, many of us prefer not to leverage this modern marvel. Why?
For some, the desire to remain unseen is as simple as not wanting to go through the hassle of looking professional — changing out of the distressed, albeit comfortable, ultra-casual garments to simply not wanting to shower and deal with your hair. For others, perhaps due to a lack of self-confidence, having to see yourself on camera, as others see you, can be a miserable experience.
Another reason for webcam resistance is being unsure of how to use it effectively. Like with most things in life, without having a system, a clear understanding of how to be seen in the most positive perspective, improving the perception others have for you is a recipe for anxiety and, therefore, a personal webcam prohibition.
Finally, if you desire to use the camera, you might be hesitant to request others to use it, too. The thought of asking your customers or co-workers to use their camera is a comfort zone most people seem unwilling to push. As understandable as this is, it is surprisingly remarkable how willing people are to oblige this request, especially when asked well in advance of the meeting — more on this in a moment.
Benefits of using the webcam
Productivity—
Communicating online has many challenges which impede incredible productivity potential. “Multi-tasking” by meeting attendees, for example, is one such impediment, which has proven to be a horrible disservice to the meeting’s productivity, unfortunately. Over the past twenty years, there have been countless articles about how meetings lack efficiency, costing corporations tremendous sums of money. We owe it to ourselves, our attendees, and our companies to improve this productivity gap.
When folks gather for a call, the person leading the meeting, or the main presenter, often feels like they are talking into a void, not knowing if anyone is paying attention. Statistically, we know some of the guests are “present” without really being focused on the meeting because they attend to other work such as emails. Unfortunately, humans cannot read or write about one thing while accurately and critically comprehending the speaker’s words.
The camera is an excellent antidote to this conundrum. When people are on camera, the tendency to be a more present active listener and participant improves mightily. Everyone gets more from the meeting, assuring the transparent exchange of expectations, deadlines, challenges, and other issues. Sometimes, assuming it is a well-managed meeting, more gets accomplished in less time. Also, the people who do the talking are more likely to feel respected and heard, removing the previously mentioned feeling of talking into a void.
Relationship Building —
When walking in an unfamiliar place, what would make you feel more secure, having the lights on or off? Most of us prefer to have the lights on to build instant awareness and comfort for our surroundings. Meeting people is no different. Allowing your audience to see your eyes, smile, hands, and other natural communication tools, you will more easily build trust and likeability with your audience, and vice versa. A webcam is an excellent relationship-building tool when working with customers or fellow team members.
Isopraxism—
Have you ever wondered why we all tend to dress similar to our colleagues or how we, as a culture, tend to adhere to similar customs, beliefs, trends, and behaviors? The human tendency to mirror each other is called isopraxism. Someone has to start the trend, right? I encourage you to exercise your inner leader by using your webcam and encouraging others to join you. According to the social laws of isopraxism, others are likely to follow, especially if they understand the previous two benefits. The more people embrace the power of the camera — the more people will embrace the power of the camera. Like with any other new social change, people tend to be resistant and uncomfortable at first until they end up in the minority, incentivizing them to join the masses — like wearing masks at the beginning of the pandemic compared to four months into the pandemic; this phenomenon is an example of isopraxism.
4 Tips for Webcam Success
Set Expectations —
As previously mentioned in this article, it is remarkable what you can get if you just ask for it. A request such as this can occur in an email, meeting invite, or traditional phone call. By conveying this desire, it helps to empathize with the meeting guests by acknowledging the camera’s potential discomfort followed by its benefits.
“Hey, for our next meeting, let’s use our cameras. I know it can be a little awkward, but it really is the best tool we have for building trust and likability with each other since we can’t be in the same location. Also, to make the most of our precious time, the camera tends to improve productivity and focus. It’s truly a win/win. I look forward to seeing you on our next call.”
In very little time, customers and team members will learn to expect to be on camera when meeting with you. They will also soon realize that your meetings are the most memorable, productive, and efficient of their day.
Adjust the Camera Angle—
I am sorry to report, nobody wants to look up your nose. If the camera is below your eyes, the uninviting up-angle is likely to occur, potentially allowing us to see the inside of your nostrils. A solution to immediately looking more “news anchor ready” is to lift your camera to eye level, even if that means setting your laptop on a stack of books. Conversely, if the camera is too far above your eyes, your audience will be looking down on you, making you look small, less confident, and less credible. In short, let people see you on a neutral eye level, allowing us to see you at your best.
Adjust Camera Framing—
Now that the camera is eye level, let us make sure you further optimize how others see you by adjusting your framing. Be sure that your head is in the top third of the frame. When framing yourself correctly, the top of your head is very close to the top of the frame. If your head is in the middle of the frame, you will likely look needlessly small, the same reason not to have the camera above eye level as it will be looking down on you. Like news anchors and TV talk show hosts, where you are in that little box significantly impacts how others perceive you.
Increase Lighting—
Your screen monitor, as bright as it may feel, is not enough to light your face for the camera. Be sure to have copious amounts of light coming at your face and body. You might need to turn your desk around to face the window, purchase a modest light kit, or move some of the lesser-used lamps from other rooms into your office area. Regardless, if we are having trouble seeing you, the value of the camera is handicapped.
In Closing
With every technology improvement comes a need for adjustment, both physically and mentally. Remember going from buttons on your cell phone to a full touchscreen? It was frustrating for a time, and then it became a way of life. The use of the camera is still in a transition phase to normalcy. Thanks to the power of isopraxism, the webcam will become more and more ubiquitous, especially if we help the cause. Your professional relationships are a lifeline to career and earnings potential. The camera will help you build relationships in a way that a traditional call simply cannot. The phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind,” has never been more accurate in a world where we do not see each other as often as we did, once upon a time. Let us all flip that old saying into a positive by saying, “In sight, in mind.”
NOTE: This article only scratches the surface of what you can do to improve the online video conferencing experience for you and your audience. There are so many more details to discuss on this exciting topic! For example, best practices for your background, the microphone, and clothing for the camera. Also, how to achieve excellent eye contact, expressive gestures, and techniques for online active listening skills. These and many other skills can help you shine when communicating online. To learn more, consider joining me for online classes. They are fun and immediately applicable. Why not use every tool at your disposal to be as successful as possible when it comes to building relationships?
David Marcotte, Head Coach of Marcotte Coaching, is a communication skills development specialist for corporate professionals. For nearly 20 years, through various topics such as presentation skills, storytelling, emotional intelligence, leadership, and team building, David has developed online and in-person learning to help professionals of all levels bridge the gap between oneself and others.
To book live, online soft skills classes with David Marcotte — visit the Complete Professional page of the Marcotte Coaching website. To read David’s other blogs and learn more ways Marcotte Coaching can help your organization thrive, visit us at www.marcottecoaching.com.
