Variance: Voice And The Virtual World

How is your voice these days?

Are you noticing more fatigue? Is it as dynamic as usual? Do you know?

Most of us ignore the voice at times -- perhaps a lot of the time. The issue now, as we conduct business virtually, is that our communication channels have narrowed.

When we speak in a room with other people, there are non-verbal, tangible dynamics that affect communication. When we take that communication into a digital format we only have the visual and the auditory. And the visual dynamic assumes everyone both has a camera on and is actually looking through it. The result is that we are extending our energy and pushing our voices in extreme ways to try to make a connection. This is exhausting.

So what can you do?

• First, watch your posture and alignment as you conduct a call. It may be that your device is not positioned properly. Most of us could lift our laptops 5-6 inches for the health of our necks alone.
• Next, stop speaking so loudly. Know where the microphone is on your device and direct your attention there as you speak (no reason to get closer, just know your target). Better still, get an external microphone.
• Make sure you are taking adequate breaths and articulating your words with care.
• Acknowledge that the etiquette of your meetings might need to change to support the humans in the meeting. If so, be the Hero by bringing it up for everyone.

Lastly, look at the camera not at the picture blocks on the screen when you are speaking. This last little shift feels odd but will make you more present in the rooms you are transmitting to.