Many people have heard or read the data about the importance of nonverbal communication in conveying information. Experts often report that nonverbals are more powerful than the words we actually use.

In fact, studies suggest that nonverbal communication accounts for 70 to 93% of communication  – including body language, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, voice (volume, rate, pitch, and timbre) and personal space.

Nonverbal Communication In Virtual Meetings

With the rise in remote work and digital meetings, translating nonverbal cues has hit some rugged terrain. While the world is slowly recovering from the pandemic and yet many workers remain dispersed, business communication is at the mercy of various onscreen technologies that don’t necessarily capture nonverbal skills.

Bridging the gap between physical and virtual communication has thus become a critical challenge. In light of this reality, professionals must adapt their approach to nonverbal cues and reassess the importance of visual engagement in the digital landscape.

Vyopta, a leader in digital collaboration user experience management, and Wakefield Research conducted some interesting research around remote work and camera use.

According to their findings from last year, “93% of executives say employees who turn their camera off are generally less engaged in their work overall.” The data reveals that “the lack of engagement opens the door to executives making assumptions about employee behavior. More than two in five executives (43%) suspect that employees who are on mute or off-camera entirely are browsing the internet or social media, texting or chatting (40%).”

True or not, these nonverbal cues often drive assumptions about performance and engagement. This does not necessarily mean individuals must permanently activate their cameras. However, executives and employees must be aware of the perceptions being off-camera may create – accurate or not. To ensure that your nonverbal cues align with your verbal communication and support your objectives, consider the following tips when on camera:

• On-Camera Background – Does the background present the image you want to express to the meeting participants? The background could be your actual room or a virtual background. Either way, consider what it communicates about you and avoid distracting backgrounds.
• Posture – Similar to an in-person meeting, consider what your posture expresses about your interest and engagement. Sit toward the edge of your seat, shoulders back, and head up.
• Eye Contact and Facial Expressions – Look directly at the camera when speaking and be as facially expressive as possible to convey engagement.
• Gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize your points, but be mindful of excessive or distracting movements.
• Voice: Aim for variations in tone and pitch to convey your emotions and engagement. Speak clearly and avoid mumbling or speaking too fast.
• Personal Space: Ensure that you are visible in the camera frame and maintain a comfortable distance from the camera.

Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures

Given the power of nonverbal communication, it is essential to consider cultural differences when working internationally. I was recently impressed by Dr. Joseph Kim, professor of business communications and author of Power7, who delivered a powerful address about differences in nonverbal communication between Eastern and Western cultures.

Dr. Kim presented to members of the Public Relations Network at its semi-annual meeting in January 2023 in Seoul, Korea. He offered compelling examples of how East and West differ and how those differences can create misunderstandings and impede business. Dr. Kim shared examples of nonverbal behaviors and the associated meanings – such as the etiquette when exchanging business cards in Asia, bowing to show strength and humility, and different approaches to expressing anger.

It is too easy to focus on translating language and overlook the silent or more subtle aspects of communication when conducting business with individuals from across the world, the oversight of which can be detrimental to your objectives. I urge you to consider investigating Dr. Kim’s work and teachings on nonverbal communication in business.

Another resource in this realm is The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. Meyer explores how these differences impact business communication and provide a framework for understanding and navigating them. The book draws upon the author’s experiences working with executives and managers from across the globe and highlights how disparate business climates approach communication, feedback, leadership and decision-making. It also provides practical advice for overcoming cross-interpretational challenges and improving communication in broader and more diverse environments. The Culture Map is a valuable resource for anyone who works within broader social forms and business behaviors or is interested in improving communication skills.

In the age of remote work and digital meetings, nonverbal communication is ever more crucial in conveying information and building connections. Since nonverbal interactions account for most communication, with only a small fraction being verbal, ensure that your communicative cues align with your objectives in virtual meetings. Work to master the practice and integration of vital factors like on-camera background, posture, eye contact and facial expressions, gestures, voice and personal space, and use them to your advantage.

Be mindful and vigilant that cultural differences play a significant role in nonverbal communication and can impact business outcomes. By exploring resources such as Dr. Kim’s work and Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map, professionals can improve their cross-cultural communication skills and navigate diverse communication styles with confidence and broader success.