In the video call
5 sentences that your colleagues will love you for
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Many of us still work from home. That means lots of video calls and meetings with colleagues. How can you stand out in a particularly positive way? We'll tell you!
As practical as home office can be. Many of us long to sit face to face with our colleagues again. Unfortunately, this is not yet possible in many jobs and we still work via video calls to hold meetings or to discuss other things. Clearly, a lot of body language is lost with videos: The picture is bad, you share your screen, your heads are small in the collage view … It is all the more important that we stand out positively through our language. What sentences do you use to do that? We'll tell you!
1. "It's so good to see you."
Yes, making a phone call is great, but it's even better to see each other. Even if we ourselves are not always enthusiastic when we have to turn on the camera (keyword jogging suit), it is good to hear when our video makes the colleagues happy. Therefore: always emphasize how refreshing it is to look into their faces.
2. "I have a point about that, but I see that XY is raising her hand."
Letting the other go first seems super personable – especially because everything often gets mixed up in the video call anyway. Sure, you shouldn't make yourself small and not always be the one or the last to express your opinion. But to step back in a friendly manner every now and then, that just shows good manners …
3. "Well, I'll summarize again …"
Thank you, this is important! If you don't sit across from each other, you might be distracted for a moment (especially if you have to entertain children at the same time). It is helpful for everyone when someone takes the initiative and gets to the heart of the matter at the end of the meeting.
4. "Don't worry about your child."
It screams, it stomps, it tugs at mom's or dad's sweater. Video meetings and toddlers are just a wild mix that is often beyond control. It is balm for the soul when the colleagues signal: That's perfectly fine, I understand your situation.
5. "Should we rather make a phone call?"
Hallelujah! If the connection is so bad again that you only hear fragments of what the other is saying, then it is like a relief if you simply switch to the good old phone. Private cell phone or not – that's okay in such cases!