Video communications are having a moment, and you've probably noticed communicating over video is a little bit different than communicating face to face. Bryan Rutberg is here to walk us through making our on-camera communications better, clearer and more effective, whether in general meetings or a crisis communications. Watch and learn from his video:
Summary
Connecting in general communications
1. Eyes on the camera
This is the video equivalent of eye contact.
2. Compose yourself according to the topic
A. When talking general business, be a little more animated in order to stand out and hold your audience's attention on a small screen.
B. When communicating critical information in a crisis situation, stay subdued. you want to show your audience you are calm and in control.
3. Get interactive
When you're carrying the conversation, keep your audience involved with questions, polls, surveys, etc. Check out mentimeter.com for more.
4. Leave room for socializing
Ask how people are doing, encourage sharing. Build a caring culture, and your team will be ready when you get to today's business.
Crisis communications
1. Appear calm, serious and logical
Be sure not to panic, speculate or make light of the situation. And show the flow of your thinking so people can follow.
2. Be empathetic, comforting and human
Put yourself in the shoes of your audience, and understand their concerns and anxieties.
3. Show confidence
Reassure your audience and motivate them to keep going.
4. Be transparent
Your audience wants information and direction. Acknowledge uncertainty and use if-then language that demonstrates your planning and flexibility.
5. Use inclusive language
Emphasize our common experience, use terms like "we" and "us."
6. Find the wins
Share the things that are going right, share your pride in what your people are doing well.
7. Keep talking
Even if you don't have something new to say, keep communicating. In uncertainty, it's human nature to start inventing dark stories and you don't want people speculating.
8. Say thanks
Gratitude is important. Let people know you know it and that you appreciate them.
What's the next step for your business?
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About the Author
Bryan Rutberg has spent his career building productive and profitable relationships between organizations and their customers, partners and employees. His clients use audience-focused communications and innovative engagement programs to increase profits and open new possibilities. Bryan is the founder and principal of 3C — The Customer Connection Company. You can reach him at bryan@3Ccomms.com.
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