In organizing online meetings, I usually pay a lot of attention on the beginning because every participant looks a bit nervous at the beginning.
More time is spent for warming up the atmosphere. For example, before the start of meeting, I do small talks with the participants who connected early. Once the meeting starts, uncontentious issues continue such as confirmation of agenda and materials, and the background of meeting. Even during this process, it is important that participants feel their participation. Just letting them nod is all right as participants’ response is the key.
Usually in in-person situation, I do not make such an effort. However, in online situation, intentional effort is required for the smooth start of meeting.
Why?
From the computer screen, participants look very stiff.
In online meetings, each face of participant is shown in a close-up. A bit of nervousness is amplified by this projection. Furthermore, such amplified many nervous faces are laid out like tiles in a screen. For an organizer who look at this screen, this is menacing.
On the other hand, website tips on online meeting recommend smiling face. However, it seems that is not well practiced. We are neither actors nor announcers. It is not easy for ordinary people, especially Japanese middle-age workers, to smile in business scenes.
Then, how should we do?
While on an online meeting, have you seen your own image?
I would suggest you see your image in the screen occasionally. You will notice you have to change your facial expression. Like you glance at a mirror, if you see your image in the computer screen, you will find yourself how you look. Not only that, you will also notice unintentional behavioral habit which may invite misunderstanding. A glance will be enough.
We do not observe ourselves objectively while we have a meeting. Online situation may give a good opportunity. ■