DEVELOPMENT
3 secrets to virtual charisma
“ In a world where communication has gone digital , understanding how to communicate on camera is a must for all EAs ,” says Anthony Laye
THE EXPERT
Anthony Laye works with entrepreneurs , professionals and executives who want to amplify their speaking and communication skills , so they can stand out , win trust and influence .
The last few months have been filled with new learnings for everyone across the globe , some have embraced the change , while others have resisted , burying their head in the sand convinced that it will be over in a couple of weeks . In the world of NLP ( Neuro Linguistic Programming ) there is something called ‘ The Law of Requisite Variety ’, which states that the person with the most flexibility of behaviour will control the system .
Never has this been more evident as I ’ ve watched professionals who would normally captivate and control a room , fall apart and become a nervous wreck on camera . We have been forced to communicate in a way that most are unfamiliar with . Those people who are seen as leaders are suddenly confronted with a black , shiny , circular lens that doesn ’ t blink , and could ruin their credibility and trust .
The thing is this : the way we communicate has changed … FOREVER ! We have proven that we don ’ t need to get everyone in the same room all the time . We have tried , tested , and explored the boundaries of digital communication and we have discovered a whole new world , where those who learn to navigate the fastest will become the new leaders .
Presenting on camera doesn ’ t have to be complicated and scary , with practice even the most camera-shy person can find their voice and shine . I ’ ve had clients who felt sick the moment they picked up the camera , but after a few weeks of practice have started to enjoy it .
I want to let you in on the three secrets I share with all my clients that will increase your on-camera presence and charisma .
1
Passion / Energy / Enthusiasm
This doesn ’ t mean leaping around like you have had 3 double espressos . All too often I see people become dull and lifeless on camera , it ’ s a deer in the headlights moment . Lips are moving , words are coming out but there is no life . Failure to bring passion and energy on camera will stop people watching .
Remember , they are just one click or swipe of the thumb from silencing you , sending you in to the technology vortex . If you want the viewer to be excited , you need to be excited ; if what you ’ re saying is important , you need to bring the energy of importance .
2 Confidence
One of the biggest killers of trust is a lack of confidence , this is detected in a person ’ s body language and heard in their voice . Start paying attention to your physiology : how are you holding yourself ? Are you swaying back and forth or standing strong ? Are you using lots of filler words ( um ’ s and ah ’ s ) or do your words flow ?
What ’ s important is that you understand displaying confidence doesn ’ t mean the absence of fear , I will often go live or jump on a webinar with a feeling of uncertainty inside , but I will always be aware and deliberate how I am using my body and voice .
3 Contrast
Without contrast you become monotone both in voice and body , which makes you boring and predictable . The moment you become predictable your viewers ’ mind will turn off , it assumes what is going to happen next . Adding contrast makes you interesting , it keeps the viewers ’ mind engaged . This can be as simple as the way you use gestures , how you use your voice , or moving towards and away from the camera .
I challenge you to grab your camera and give these three tips a try . Who knows , you might start enjoying it ! S www . anthonylaye . com
56 Chief of Staff | Issue 2 2020