Lights, camera, action!
​In my experience, seeing the person I’m speaking with on camera during virtual meetings helps build a stronger connection. And these days, I find it strange to join a virtual meeting with the laptop camera off.
It wasn’t always like this. And I know ‘cameras on’ is not for everyone.
In fact, Zoom Fatigue (caused by too many virtual meetings with cameras on) is a proven illness.
But that said, there is no doubt in my mind that cameras on during virtual meetings can help build trust between attendees.
So how can we encourage camera shy attendees to take the leap and switch on their cameras?
Here’s a few suggestions.
Make it a clear expectation upfront that you want the meeting attendees to have their cameras on. No one wants to be called upon to put on their camera while dressed in their gym clothes or pyjamas. Or in my case one time, hair wrapped in a towel post shower! Make sure the expectation is clear in advance e.g. add a reminder to the meeting invite.
At the start of the meeting, take the opportunity to remind the attendees to turn on their cameras for the meeting.
​In advance, specifically ask all leaders and all presenters to have their cameras on during the meeting. This is an important role-modelling activity. If leaders don’t do this, it is hard to expect anyone else to.
If you think your attendees will struggle with having their cameras on for a long meeting, consider asking them to use video at the start of the meeting and allow those who are feeling fatigued to switch them off later in the meeting. A benefit here is that while some will eventually switch off their cameras, if people start with their cameras on, they are more likely to leave them on. And it will help some to become more accustomed to cameras.
With Zoom, there is an option to turn off ‘Self View’ i.e. the view of yourself. Studies have shown that with this option, people stop paying attention to their own faces and instead concentrate on meeting content. And it has been shown to help people avoid experiencing ‘Zoom Fatigue’. If this is a technical option in your organisation, then let your attendees know how to do this.
Research have shown that some people do not like their background to be visible and this may hold them back from switching on their cameras. For some, having their home office / bedroom / desk under the stairs on camera makes them uncomfortable. If you think this could be the case, then send tips in advance to alert the attendees on options like how to make the background blurry or how to add a different background.