Before singers perform, they warm up their voices. Before athletes compete, they warm up their muscles. Before writers write, they warm up their minds. So, when you're about to join your next remote meeting, deliver a virtual sales presentation, or present a proposal via Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc., make sure you don’t go in cold.
Warming up is crucial for any meeting or presentation, whether in-person or virtual. It’s especially important in our current world of remote working and social distancing. Here are three effective ways to prepare yourself before your next virtual meeting.
1. Warm Up Your Voice
Your voice is a powerful tool in virtual meetings. To ensure it’s in top form, practice using it beforehand:
Read Aloud: Scroll through your newsfeed or thumb through a paper and read a story out loud.
Sing: Singing out loud is another great way to warm up your voice. Try combining it with another routine task, like washing your hands while singing a 20-second song. (For example, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," which also doubles as the ABCs and "Baa Baa Black Sheep.")
Stay Hydrated: Keep a beverage nearby. Before unmuting, take a sip of water or hot tea. Remember to swallow and breathe before you start speaking to avoid your mic picking up unwanted sounds.
2. Wake Up Your Face
Facial expressions are vital in making your virtual presence engaging and effective. To wake up your face before turning on your camera:
Facial Movements: Smile, raise your eyebrows, frown, scowl, pat your cheeks, and shake your head back and forth.
Lion Face, Lemon Face: This exercise involves saying “Lion Face” and stretching your face wide like a roaring lion, then saying “Lemon Face” and scrunching your face as if you bit into a lemon. Repeat this a few times to warm up your facial muscles.
3. Suit Up
Your appearance can significantly impact how you feel and how others perceive you in a virtual meeting:
Dress the Part: If you usually wear a button-down shirt to work, wear one in your home office. If you style your hair for in-person work, do the same for your virtual meetings. Dressing professionally helps you feel more put together and confident.
Additional Tips for Virtual Meeting Prep
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Think about what else you can do to prepare for a remote meeting or virtual presentation. We’d love to hear what’s working for you in your home office, on your patio, or wherever you find yourself working these days.
Stay safe and be well.
Comments