Skype allows its users to video chat on a phone, a computer or even a TV while it's competition, Apple's FaceTime, delivers an equally fantastic video experience between Apple-to-Apple calls. Regardless of the video chat platform that you choose, the technology allows you to hold meetings with colleagues in a different country, share a birthday wish with a friend in a different state, or hold coaching sessions with a client across town. Communicating with people all over the world - just like George Jetson used to do - is as easy as pie.
But, this way of communicating does have its minor drawback. Gone are the days when working at home meant that you could don your pajamas, with a bad case of bedhead, and a poppy seed from your breakfast bagel wedged between your teeth while talking to clients on the phone. That no longer works since people can see as well as hear you. So, comb your hair, brush your teeth and get out of your sleeping shirt because the way we dress not only demonstrates how we view ourselves, it becomes a way of respecting or disrespecting our audience....and this applies whether you are in front of a live audience or on a video conference call.
And there are other things to think about if you are making a video call from home. Be aware of the distractions - make sure that Fido is in another room and your child is occupied. The name of the game is respect. Behave the same way - that is, like a professional - as you would if you and your audience were in the same room. You may be alone, but you are being watched, so be aware of your facial expressions. And if you think for a minute that your audience can't see you texting on your phone - think again.
Eye contact is just as important when you are chatting over the Internet as it is when you are chatting face to face. Because most cameras are embedded on the top of a computer monitor, you are not actually making eye contact if you are looking at the screen. It feels awkward, but if you want to look into the face of the person you are speaking with, you really need to look up at the camera. So, chin up. And speaking of chins - the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that chin augmentation grew by 71 percent in 2011. That's more than breast augmentation, Botox and liposuction - combined. According to ASPS president, Malcolm Z. Roth, "As more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference." A strong jaw line might convey sense of power and authority, but nothing says respect, interest, appreciation and understanding like good old-fashion eye contact.
Bottom line: Your messenger skills are essential to creating a connection with your clients and colleagues whether you are talking in person or chatting like George Jetson.
Eye contact is just as important when you are chatting over the Internet as it is when you are chatting face to face. Because most cameras are embedded on the top of a computer monitor, you are not actually making eye contact if you are looking at the screen. It feels awkward, but if you want to look into the face of the person you are speaking with, you really need to look up at the camera. So, chin up. And speaking of chins - the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that chin augmentation grew by 71 percent in 2011. That's more than breast augmentation, Botox and liposuction - combined. According to ASPS president, Malcolm Z. Roth, "As more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference." A strong jaw line might convey sense of power and authority, but nothing says respect, interest, appreciation and understanding like good old-fashion eye contact.
Bottom line: Your messenger skills are essential to creating a connection with your clients and colleagues whether you are talking in person or chatting like George Jetson.
