Fear of video calls? 7 secrets to overcome it

Video calls are everywhere, for better or worse, and current circumstances have forced us to get used to being in front of a camera to communicate with our family, friends, colleagues and clients.

But when you find yourself in a professional meeting, you may develop a kind of stage fright and avoid speaking, or find it hard to do so, because you worry about others looking at you, watching you and seeing a part of you that until now was private.

Keep calm: you are not the only person this happens to, and that is exactly why you are here. 

Read on to discover the secrets that will improve your virtual meetings.

Secret no. 1: set up your workspace at home. 

Feeling comfortable with the space, the lighting, the angle and, in general, everything you are going to show in front of the camera  will boost your on-screen confidence.

In this article we explain how to look your best on video calls.

Secret no. 2: prepare the topic of the meeting.

It seems obvious, but it works: if you know the material, the words will come out on their own. At first it may be hard to loosen up, but once everything is clear to you, it will flow without any problems. 

Go over and jot down on paper the points you need to remember and the possible questions your counterparts might ask you.

You can even have ready any documents you need to share in the meeting, so you do not have to look for them when it is your turn to speak.

This way you will avoid going blank, awkward silences and that horrible feeling of wanting the ground to swallow you up!

Secret no. 3: loosen up your body and mind. 

Move around for a few minutes before joining the meeting. Stretch, walk a little, gesture and speak out loud.

You will wake up your body and mind, and it will help you go in with more energy.

Tip: keep a glass of water nearby. That way you can hydrate your vocal cords and make your voice sound more relaxed. 

Fourth and final secret: be yourself. 

Behave the way you always do. 

Breathe, smile and let everything flow naturally.

This is new for almost everyone, so your counterparts probably have the same fears you do.  

But it is important to keep things in perspective: you are not sitting an exam, no one is grading you, and you do not need extraordinary skills to do it well. Like everything else, it is a matter of practice, and you will soon get into the swing of it and even enjoy it.