Body language online - 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of BBC's 6 Minute English, hosts Neil and Sam discuss the evolution of body language in the digital age, particularly during online video meetings. They explore how the lack of face-to-face interaction affects communication and introduce Erica Dhawan, author of 'Digital Body Language', who offers tips for clear digital communication. Dhawan suggests strategies like slowing down and creating 'water cooler moments' to mimic in-person interactions and enhance online engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Body language is a crucial aspect of communication that is affected by the shift to online video meetings.
• 📱 Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype became prevalent during the Covid pandemic and are likely to remain a part of our communication landscape.
• 🤔 Erica Dhawan, author of 'Digital Body Language', suggests strategies to improve communication in the digital age, such as slowing down and allowing time for others to process information.
• 👀 Making eye contact is challenging in online meetings, which can lead to a 'distancing' effect compared to in-person interactions.
• ⏰ Dhawan recommends practicing a 'five-second rule' to allow time for others to respond, especially considering potential technology or accessibility issues.
• 😄 Smiling and laughing are less frequent in video meetings due to screen delays and self-consciousness about one's on-screen appearance.
• 💡 Creating 'intentional moments' for informal conversation, or the 'water cooler effect', can help foster a more natural and relaxed atmosphere in online meetings.
• 🗣️ Erica Dhawan overcame her shyness by copying the body language of her more confident peers, highlighting the importance of observation and adaptation in communication skills.
• 🧠 Processing information in online settings requires deliberate effort, as the lack of immediate non-verbal cues can make it harder to gauge others' reactions and thoughts.
• 🌐 The concept of 'in unison' is less common in digital communication, affecting group dynamics like laughter and collective responses.

Q & A

What is 'body language' as discussed in the transcript?

Body language refers to non-verbal ways of communicating using gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, which is crucial in face-to-face communication.

How did Covid-19 affect body language in communication?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, meetings moved online, making it harder to use body language effectively. Eye contact and gestures became difficult to interpret through web cameras, creating a 'distancing' effect.

What was the main question posed in the program?

The main question was how body language has changed in the world of online video meetings.

Who is Erica Dhawan, and what is her expertise?

Erica Dhawan is a communication expert and the author of 'Digital Body Language,' a book that provides insights into clear communication in the digital age.

What advice does Erica Dhawan give to improve communication in online meetings?

Erica Dhawan suggests slowing down during online meetings and using a five-second rule to give people time to process ideas. This is important due to possible technology or accessibility issues.

Why is it difficult to make eye contact in online meetings?

Eye contact is hard to achieve in online meetings because web cameras are often positioned differently from the screen, preventing people from looking directly into each other's eyes.

What is the 'water cooler effect' mentioned in the program?

The 'water cooler effect' refers to informal, casual conversations between coworkers, typically in an office setting, such as around a water cooler, in the kitchen, or in the elevator.

How does Erica suggest overcoming the lack of laughter and smiles in online meetings?

She suggests creating intentional moments for informal conversations, like the water cooler effect, to help people connect and feel more at ease, which can naturally lead to more laughter and smiles.

How did Erica Dhawan overcome her shyness in school?

Erica Dhawan overcame her shyness by copying the body language of her 'cool' teenage classmates, such as rolling her eyes or slouching.

What is the importance of slowing down during online meetings according to Erica?

Slowing down gives people time to process information carefully and think through ideas, especially important when there may be technical or accessibility barriers.