Improving Your Body Language During Virtual Meetings
Technology is truly a wonderful thing as it makes life more convenient. In the new normal where physical interactions are limited, virtual meetings are becoming more popular especially for the business sector. Long gone are the days of face-to-face interactions. With the help of modern technology, it is now possible to hold meetings wherever and whenever, making communication more convenient.
More and more people and businesses are adapting this method of communication especially those who are in a remote work setup such as real estate agents and creative professionals. Virtual meetings are definitely an upgrade for young professionals. You will only need a device such as a laptop or mobile phone and a stable internet connection to conduct a virtual meeting. No need to travel, spend, or waste time for a face-to-face meeting. It is also the better option especially during a pandemic where risks of getting infected is still high.
With their high adaptability and critical thinking skills, the elite team of Brittany Salesforce quickly learned their way through these changes and became experts when it comes to virtual meetings. They continue to achieve high sales even in the new normal as they develop new strategies to maximize digital sales. One of the strategies they perfected is improving body language during virtual meetings.
As great as virtual meetings are, there are also limitations and other factors that can affect how effective you are communicating. Words are not the only important aspect when you are trying to close a deal. There are also nonverbal cues that may amplify, contradict, or support the message you are trying to convey to a client. Body language has a huge role in earning the trust of potential buyers and improving your relationship with current clients.
In virtual meetings, communication may be limited by sight. However, as a seasoned real estate agent, there are still ways you can improve your body language during a virtual meeting so you can finally close that deal.
Maximize your digital sales by improving your body language during virtual meetings.
What is Nonverbal Communication
Communication is not only made up of words. There are also nonverbal cues that can help you effectively communicate with other people. There are different types of body language that people often learn how to read in order to discern what the other person is trying to convey. These include gestures, posture, tone of voice, facial expressions, and even eye contact.
Body language has many uses. As they say, actions speak louder than words. Some people rely heavily on nonverbal cues to get their message across. Body language can be used to support, repeat, or further amplify the message. Nonverbal cues can also contradict the words that you are saying.
Most people have learned to unconsciously read nonverbal cues when they are talking with another person. This helps them discern the message you are trying to deliver and whether your words hold any truth to them. This is why body language can have more impact on your communication compared to words.
For real estate agents who are selling world-class properties, embodying excellence means having full control of their body language to exude confidence. With this strategy, they can earn the trust of potential buyers and improve their relationship with clients.
Real estate professionals use nonverbal cues to communicate effectively with clients.
Importance of Body Language in Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings have limited visibility, which can also limit the perception of your client. However, this does not mean that there is no need for you to use strategic body language to close a deal. In fact, due to limited visibility, your client may be forced to put more focus on what they can see. Even in video calls, your body language will matter in ensuring clear and effective communication with a client.
When trying to impress or earn the trust of a client, you should still act and present yourself just as you would in a face-to-face interaction. Wearing professional clothes and having a tidy appearance should always be the first thing you need to check. How you present yourself will have an impact on how effective your communication will be.
While virtual meetings are convenient, it doesn’t offer the same benefits of a face-to-face interaction, which is to help your client feel comfortable immediately. Most virtual meetings can induce feelings of awkwardness and discomfort at the beginning. This is where your body language comes in.
A good posture with a welcoming body language will help your client adjust and feel more comfortable. This can drastically improve your chances of closing a sales deal. The next step is to ensure that you are slowly but surely gaining the trust of your client through your sales pitch and Zoom presentation. You can also look out for your client’s body language so you can respond accordingly.
Body language can help you exude confidence during a virtual meeting, earning the trust of your client.
Tips on How to Improve Your Body Language in a Virtual Meeting
Body language can be perceived even through virtual meetings. In fact, your clients may put more focus on certain nonverbal cues such as posture and facial expression. A great sales pitch is not only about saying the right words. Using strategic nonverbal cues will help you secure that deal. Here are some tips on how you can improve your body language in virtual meetings.
1. Dress and look professional.
The first thing you should ensure when you are in a virtual meeting with a client is to have a professional and tidy appearance. Dress and look the part, even when you are just at home. It will also help you be more mindful of how you act since it basically allows you to take control of how your client will see you. You can even change and organize your background and choose how to frame yourself. Your client’s first impression of you will always be about your appearance.
2. Be mindful of your posture while in the meeting.
When meeting a client, you should be mindful of your posture as it can convey a lot. Having correct posture will help show that you are alert and actively listening to what the client is saying. Avoid slouching during your virtual meeting. You can do this by sitting at the edge of the seat. Make sure not to lean towards or away from the camera as it can show disinterest or boredom.
You should also be mindful where you place your arms. Crossing your arms or putting them on the table does not create an inviting atmosphere and may come across as intimidating.
3. Maintain eye contact.
One of the easiest yet most effective body language you can use when doing a sales pitch is to maintain eye contact. It establishes trust and understanding between two people. Eye contact also captures the attention of your audience, which is important when you are doing a sales pitch.
In this study, it is found that maintaining eye contact has a positive impact in how the audience can recall information. When you maintain eye contact, you are keeping the audience interested while also sending signals that you are giving your attention to them. Even through video call, you can establish familiarity and trust when you maintain eye contact, which increases the chance of closing a deal with the client.
Utilize hand gestures and other nonverbal cues to emphasize your message towards the client.
4. Utilize hand gestures.
Hand gestures can be used to drive a point home or divert the attention of the audience. When you utilize simple hand gestures, you are creating a friendlier and more natural atmosphere, helping your client feel more at ease when talking with you.
However, make sure to avoid using your hands too much or obstructing their view of your face as it can distract them from what you are saying. There are hand gestures such as touching the face, neck, and forehead that can also signal frustration so remember to be mindful of them.
5. Maintain friendly facial expressions during your virtual meeting.
When you are talking to a client through video call, you should remember to maintain a friendly facial expression. What they see the most is your face so they would be relying on your expressions to discern if you are trustworthy or capable.
Smile from time to time and avoid facial expressions that may convey uncertainty, frustration, or anger. For real estate professionals who go through one virtual meeting to another, Zoom fatigue is normal.
However, make sure that you do not show through facial expressions since they have the biggest impact when you are communicating with the client. Expressions through your eyes and mouth will be the most evident to them so remember to show enthusiasm and interest.
Accept the Challenges of Virtual Meetings
Compared to face-to-face interactions, virtual meetings can be more challenging especially as you are restricted from utilizing strategic body language. However, there are also benefits to conducting virtual meetings. Other than it being convenient, it also allows you, the presenter, to take full control of the stage.
You can take advantage of virtual meetings to increase your chances of converting opportunities into sales. Just like the skilled real estate professionals of Brittany Salesforce, you can also gain high sales conversion just by improving your body language during virtual meetings.