Speaking on calls and video
Calls and video strip away much of your body language. Clear structure, slightly slower pace and deliberate checks keep remote conversations as effective as face-to-face ones.
Key ideas
- Audio quality and pace matter more than on-camera polish.
- Signpost more than you would in person.
- Check understanding explicitly because you see fewer cues.
Step by step
- 1
Test your microphone and reduce background noise beforehand.
- 2
Slow down slightly and pause after key points.
- 3
Signpost: 'Three things', 'First', 'Finally'.
- 4
End each topic with a direct check, such as 'Does that work for you?'
Example
A consultant giving advice by phone starts with 'I have two recommendations', pauses after each and asks the caller to repeat the plan. Fewer callbacks follow.
Your drill
Record a two-minute video update with signposting and pauses, then watch it with the sound only and judge its clarity.
Common mistakes
- Talking faster on calls to save time.
- Assuming silence means agreement.
Check yourself
Why should you signpost more on calls?
Show the answer
Listeners have fewer visual cues, so explicit structure helps them follow and remember.
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