Julie Hansen, expert on eye contact in video sales, shares insights on the importance of eye contact in virtual meetings, challenges of video selling, the popularity of TikTok and authenticity, playing characters intelligently in improv and acting, and the importance of engaging and connecting with the audience during presentations.
Maintaining eye contact on the camera during video calls creates a stronger sense of connection and engagement with the audience.
Adapting to the virtual environment and not assigning in-person expectations to online interactions helps in avoiding misjudgments and misinterpretations of virtual cues.
Deep dives
Connecting through the camera
Julie Hansen, author of the book 'Look Me in the Eye, using video to build relationships with customers, partners and teams,' discusses the need for better video communication skills in the business world. Hansen explains that the skills she learned as an actor transitioning from stage to film were not readily available in the business realm, leading her to write her book. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the camera when video conferencing, as it creates a sense of eye contact for the recipient, thereby facilitating better connection and engagement.
Leveraging peripheral vision
Hansen addresses the common concern of missing non-verbal cues when looking at the camera instead of the screen during video calls. She points out that with proper camera setup and arrangement of images on the screen, one can effectively use peripheral vision to perceive and interpret body language and facial expressions. She suggests building comfort and trust in peripheral vision, while also acknowledging the difference in behavior between in-person and virtual meetings. By understanding these nuances, one can avoid misjudgments and misinterpretations of virtual cues.
Understanding virtual behavior
Hansen explains that people behave differently in virtual meetings compared to in-person interactions. She highlights the need to adapt to the virtual environment and not assign in-person expectations to online interactions. Hansen discusses common virtual behaviors such as the 'resting business face' and how misperceptions can arise when individuals interpret these expressions as disinterest. She encourages viewers to recognize the differences in virtual behavior and not make rash assumptions based on facial reactions that may vary from what is expected in person.
The significance of eye contact
Hansen elaborates on the importance of eye contact in video communication. She emphasizes that eye contact conveys interest, attention, and trustworthiness. Hansen likens it to the way we connect with each other in person. She encourages the use of eye contact on camera, despite the challenges it presents, such as the inability to see non-verbal cues from the other person. By maintaining eye contact with the camera, individuals can create a stronger sense of connection with their audience, making them feel seen and heard, which is crucial in building meaningful relationships.
Julie Hansen literally wrote the book on eye contact in video sales! In this episode, Julie and Chris Bogue share their best professional secrets for confident eye contact.
Learn to speak volumes without even saying a word!
Order Julie Hansen's book "Look Me in the Eye" today or visit juliehansen.live to check out her selling on video master class.
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