How can I create a closer connection with my online audience?

My friend Sonja works for a very large, international company. Recently, there was an online meeting where the regional manager presented to thousands of people. "He didn't even look at us. I didn't feel like he was speaking to me," Sonja complained.

As a public speaking trainer specializing in online presentations, I knew immediately that this executive didn't know how to look on camera. He's not alone—there are many online speakers who don't understand how to connect with their online audience. Many online presenters neglect to look into the camera during videos, video meetings, and webinars.

Below you will find a few tips on how to create a closer connection with your online listeners and make them feel more addressed and comfortable.

Greater intimacy through mastering eye contact

Maintaining eye contact during online meetings is a bit tricky, as it's different from a normal face-to-face conversation. We often look our counterpart in the eye online because it's what we're used to. However, to the other person, it looks like you're looking down and not focusing on them. Depending on how you're positioned in front of your monitor, this effect is more or less pronounced. So, how can you do better? I'll tell you!

1. Maintain eye contact with the camera and your audience will feel seen.

To make your audience feel like you're looking at them, you need to look directly into the camera. This makes it appear to them as if you're looking straight ahead, rather than down at them. This is something you should keep in mind not only for online meetings and webinars, but also for video recordings.

However, this creates the problem that you can't actually see your audience and therefore don't feel a sense of connection. But there's a simple solution: switch between your camera and your screen. You don't have to look directly into the camera the whole time, because in face-to-face conversations, we sometimes glance to the side. You can do the same in online meetings—simply glance at your screen from time to time and observe your audience's reactions. By alternating between camera and screen, your listeners feel that you are looking at them, and at the same time, you are also perceiving them.

2. An external camera makes eye contact easier.

If constantly switching your gaze between the camera and the screen is too tiring, here's another solution. You'll need a separate camera, which you can find in good quality for as little as €20. Using a small mount, which you can even build yourself with a little skill, the camera is attached to the screen and can then be moved up and down manually. Ideally, position your external camera where your conversation partner's forehead appears on the monitor, or, if there are several people, in the center. This way, you can see the person on your screen while still having the feeling that you're looking directly at them, since the camera is at the same level as your view of their head.

3. Communicate on equal terms

Many people use laptops for online meetings, usually positioned at chest height. Because you're looking down at the screen and camera, and your head is also tilted downwards, it creates the impression of looking down, like an adult looking down at a child. This is definitely not what your audience wants in an online meeting.

To avoid this, you should raise your laptop so that your camera is at eye level. This way, you'll be looking straight ahead, and your eye contact will still be effective, even if you're looking at the screen and not directly into the camera.

While you could use books to raise your laptop to the correct height, this isn't recommended. Instead, use a dedicated laptop stand. They're specifically designed for this purpose, and you can find several models at affordable prices on Amazon, for example. If you're standing during your online presentations, which I highly recommend, you can also get a laptop tripod or stand.

Conclusion

Maintaining eye contact during online meetings is often tricky, but with my help, it's a breeze. Use stands or tripods to raise your camera to the right height and alternate looking at your screen and into the lens. This way, your audience will feel like you're looking directly at them, and you can see their reactions too. If you follow these tips and tricks, you're guaranteed to communicate effectively.

Want to improve your online presentation skills? Then get my guide: Rocke die digitale Bühne. Here are 6 tips on how to engage your online audience.

Best regards

DANJA

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