Being visible and heard as a working woman during meetings is already a challenge as it is. Between instances of “mainsplaining”, constant interruptions and the well-known imposter syndrome, the obstacles preventing women from being heard in meetings are numerous. The situation actually worsens during virtual meetings, which can be even more challenging, especially for working moms with children at home. This has been even more prevalent during the pandemic, as many, if not most companies, have resorted to having their employees work remotely.
In a recent Catalyst survey, 45% of women business leaders recognize it’s difficult for women to speak up during virtual meetings. One in five women admit to being overlooked or ignored by colleagues during video calls.
it is possible for working women to increase their visibility during virtual calls. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Be clear about what you want to get out of the meeting
Identify at least one goal you may have as related to the meeting, and have a clear view as to what you hope to accomplish. This will help devise an approach in advance to accomplish this, including using some of the other available functions including private and group chat, as well as side-bar messages.
- Use the technology to your advantage
Technology plays a critical role in virtual meetings. As a woman at work, you may use it to your advantage and to assert yourself by positioning the camera for easy and direct eye contact. Arranging your microphone so you can be heard more clearly can also help.
- Develop non-verbal communication skills
Virtual meetings require different sets of skills than in-person meetings. Since non-verbal cues make up over half of online interactions, it becomes crucial to learn how to read and give non-verbal communication cues.
- Wear formal business attire
Dressing professionally is not just for appearance’s sake. It also provides a mental boost, especially when working from home. On virtual calls as with in-person meetings, it also projects confidence and professionalism, and helps to stand out.
- Stand through important video calls
Standing up when speaking or presenting not only helps in projecting your voice, but also helps boost one’s confidence and assuredness. This may come especially handy during online meetings where you’re presenting, or on calls you may be feeling nervous about.
- Get your colleagues’ buy-in
Enlisting the support of your colleagues, especially for high-stake decisions, is not only an effective way of managing office politics, but also a powerful way of commanding attention during the meetings in which these are discussed. The more your colleagues may know about an issue you’ve consulted them on, the more attention you may be able to command.
All in all, virtual meetings may work to working women’s disadvantage, however they don’t have to. Using strategies like the ones listed above to increase your visibility during online calls can help in alleviating the structural and professional barriers standing in women’s careers’ way.
What has been your experience as a working woman during online calls?
The Corporate Sis.
