Skip to content

Improve Your Body Language

HubSpot Video

How to show up, present and lead in video conferences

In the third instalment of our New Ways of Leading in a Changed World series, we talk to leadership mentor, coach, and keynote speaker, Dr Louise Mahler. 

Dr Mahler discusses the importance of body language and how we use our voice when we’re connecting via video. From the participant who lay down during video meetings because it wasn’t “authentic” to stay seated in front of the camera, to why you should keep blinking to avoid looking like a potential serial killer, Dr Mahler guides us through how to engaged on a video call.

With over a decade as a professional opera singer complimenting her PhD in Business, Dr Louise knows her stuff when it comes to how voice and body language and how they influence the way we lead and engage with others. 

She believes that in the video revolution of 2020, many people have forgotten about the importance of their voice when communicating — not only what they’re saying, but how they’re saying it. 

“The voice carries a huge percentage -- and body and voice are inextricably linked,” she says.

“Our body and voice, especially in emotional situations, carry almost all of the communication.”

Highlighting the differences between face-to-face communication and video conferencing, Dr Louise offers some advice on behaviours that can start to fray participants around the edges.

“I’m hearing it, from the lowest level to the highest level, that people are saying waffle is driving them nuts. People are coming on without an agenda and just waffling with no structure,” she says.

This wasted time adds to the anxiety of people threatened by the intimacy of the camera.

“I’m getting a lot of calls from people who are saying that they’re very nervous, and too stressed to actually engage in this environment. They’re freaking out with performance anxiety.”

Dr Mahler talks through different approaches to engaging on video — including how to avoid looking like a serial killer — and the key to polishing up your video conference skills.

“Practice. Practice, Practice…. I don’t encourage people to practice in the mirror or on camera, because watching yourself back, we tend to be too critical.”

Pexip-ADL-MELThis episode was filmed with interviewer Ben Campbell in Adelaide, and Dr Louise Mahler in (until recently) locked down Melbourne, Australia - using Pexip video to bring everyone together.

Empower your organization with enhanced video collaboration

LEARN MORE

The Hoffice

How to get the best out of your home office environment

Microphones

We all know how important video is to a video conference. But what’s more important than video? Audio. Watch our best practice tips on video conferencing from home.
WATCH NOW

Cameras

This episode of The Hoffice explores cameras and camera placement. Watch our best practice tips on lifting your video game for high-performance video meetings from home.
WATCH NOW

Being Present

Watch our 4 best practice principles on how to stay present and engaged during a video call.
WATCH NOW

Lighting

Why is lighting important? In this episode of The Hoffice, we cover how lighting can impact the performance of your video call. Watch our best practice tips to help you look your best.
WATCH NOW

Environment

This episode explores the environment around you and its importance when planning a video meeting. Watch our best practice tips setting yourself up in the right surroundings.
WATCH NOW

Backdrops

This episode looks at backdrops – what to consider and what to avoid. Watch our best practice tips on setting up a great video conference.
WATCH NOW

Work from home resources

How-to guides for individuals and their teams

5 tips on building a great culture for remote workers

Is it enough to just let people know that they can do their work from home?
WATCH NOW

5 tips for planning a successful video meeting

With a little planning, you can avoid distracting technical issues and keep your meetings as productive as possible.
WATCH NOW

How to support mental health and well-being for remote workers

Paul Vittles - researcher and consultant to commercial, government and non-for-profits –makes recommendations on how companies can support employees
WATCH NOW