INTERRUPTIONS!
They happen! Today, during a very important zoom presentation, the inevitable happened... KNOCK KNOCK - Property Management team here to check on your Property! My level of frustration exploded like a volcano, but when the middle of explaining your expertise to a client, you have to roll with it and watch what you say.
But wait, there is more! You may see cartwheels behind you (TY Abbeys Daughter), the SNACK visits (from my son), the dogs barking, the cats who are ALWAYS curious, or a roommate/partner that tries to desperately distract you with some sexy gaze, the guys outside your window cutting down a tree, or even the neighbors wailing baby who just wasn't having any of it.
Interruptions happen, and actually are inevitable (and honestly sometimes a saving grace).
How do you handle these situations? There are multiple ways we have to get around the daily interruptions when working from home. Online meetings are so GREAT but they can provide unique challenges we must navigate despite having clear boundaries, life isn't perfect. (thankfully).
After experiencing most of these, I wanted to share a few tips that I have learned about Zoom Etiquette:
1. Don't over-explain - Life happens, people. Even professionals that do live filming have times when they are put in awkward situations (we have seen the YouTube clips, we know). Mute your mic, turn off the video and deal with it.
2. Roll with the situation - IF you can't go off-camera during this minor delay, acknowledge the occurrence, and if you are witty enough, make a relevant comment and then keep going!
3. KEEP GOING! - Get back on topic as quickly as possible. Don't allow self-doubt or frustration to derail your awesomeness.
4. PRACTICE Ahead of time - If you have the opportunity to do so, practice ahead of time, just in case. You never know if what will happen, and if prepared, it will be easier to get back to the topic.
5. Exude Confidence - A healthy dose of self-confidence is always the best presentation outfit. Wear something that makes you feel confident if need be (as long as it's appropriate and can be worn in public too.)
6: What's behind you matters - Backgrounds matter. NO matter what people say? They do. Sometimes people will be so distracted by what's behind you, they forget to listen. Spend a wee bit of time making sure you are satisfied with your surroundings.
7. Record Yourself - spend some time recording your own videos to see what others are seeing on screen. How do you look? How do you sound? make notes and do it again.
8. Most of all? Just be You - Be the best version of yourself in a transparent matter, because this will reflect your energy into your message, and your passion is more likely to come to life if you feel comfortable.
Explore all these options and try a few of your own to see what fits into your wheelhouse. Try to make it a habit, no matter who you are on screen with! You may think that just chatting with friends this would not be as important. BUT the more you make a ritual out of doing things consciously, the easier it will be when you are surprised by an unwanted guest or knock of any kind.
And you will be ZOOM-tastic! Guaranteed.
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