Real Ways to Get Others On Your Side When Meeting Virtually
When it comes to the art of coming across well during a Zoom meeting, don’t discount the importance of Zoom meeting phrases. As we all have gotten used to interacting with colleagues through a screen, we’ve spent a lot of time perfecting our backgrounds, optimizing our lighting, and mastering the fashion trick of wearing sweatpants or pajama bottoms while looking dapper up top. But if you want to make the folks on the other end of your webcam like you, the words you say can be much more important than what score you get on “Room Rater.”
Zoom Meeting Phrases Can Be Your On-Screen Go-To
When we meet in person, we have many ways to get on others’ good side—a firm handshake, eye contact, body language, etc. But on screen, likability rests much more heavily on verbal cues and communication. Having some go-to comments can come in handy and increase dialogue and connection between you and other tech worker attendees.
The best part of deploying powerful Zoom meeting phrases: you can have them at the ready without the need to memorize them! You can scribble them on Post-It Notes or list them on a document you can look at on your screen without anyone being the wiser.
While you shouldn’t hesitate to come up with your own Zoom meeting phrases, here are ten suggestions that can make you the star of your laptop screen and help you hold good remote presentations.
“What do you think?”
People appreciate when others value their input and opinion. Listening to their thoughts makes them feel respected and relevant. Whatever the topic at hand, asking other people on the call what they think will get you on their good side.
“My apologies for interrupting. Please continue.”
One of the more frustrating elements of conference calls and Zoom meetings is people’s tendency to talk over each other, even when they have no intention of interrupting. When that happens, you can show others respect by apologizing for any such missteps and inviting them to keep speaking.
“What can I do to help?”
A friend in need is a friend indeed. If someone on the call seems to be struggling with a task or concept or feels overwhelmed by the amount of work on their plate, offering to assist them will generate a ton of goodwill. Allow your fellow tech employees to tell you what they think would help most, but then feel free to make your own suggestions as to how to make their life better.
“Thanks for being here.”
Zoom fatigue has proven very real. All of us are more than ready to be done with isolation. And while we understand that virtual work meetings are necessary until the world gets back to in-person work, that doesn’t mean we are thrilled to be once again staring at boxes full of faces. If you are the host of a Zoom meeting, be sure to express your understanding of these feelings and your appreciation to everyone for showing up and participating.
“Please and thank you.”
These are the magic words IRL, and they have the same effect on the screen. Common courtesy engenders good feelings and provides another way of showing respect to your fellow technical employees.
“Tell me more about that.”
If you want to show interest in what someone is saying, there’s no better way to do so than asking them to say more. An open-ended invitation to keep on sharing will make others feel valued and important.
“You did a great job on ____.”
Everyone likes and appreciates a compliment. Positive reinforcement and recognition of achievement always generate good feelings about the person dispensing the praise.
“Why don’t you go ahead and take this one.”
Even if you are the font of wisdom or the focus of a meeting, throwing a question directed to you over to one of your colleagues shows that you trust them and want to give them their moment to shine.
“Can you repeat that?”
Whether because of crosstalk or a technical glitch, we often miss things others say in a Zoom meeting, even if you are paying the utmost attention. Don’t hesitate in such situations to ask the person to repeat what they said. Asking someone to repeat themselves demonstrates that you want to know what they have to contribute.
“I appreciate that.”
When people do or say something nice for a colleague, they may do so for altruistic and selfless reasons. But that doesn’t mean they don’t expect acknowledgement or appreciation for their efforts. Be sure to express your thanks for what others have done for you or your organization.
Remote or Otherwise, Great Tech Opportunities Don’t Just Present Themselves. GTN Can Help You Find Them.
Companies are hiring, and your dream IT position is out there, no matter where you are. GTN Technical Staffing has earned a reputation throughout the tech industry for connecting the right talent to the right companies.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you land your next opportunity.
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