If you’re shy, video chats can be a nightmare. You might feel nervous, awkward, or self-conscious when you have to speak or show your face on the screen. But video chats are unavoidable in today’s world, whether for work, study, or socializing. So, how can you survive them without losing your mind? In this post, you’ll discover three ways to make video calls easier and more enjoyable for shy people.
Acknowledge the Challenge of Shyness
If you’re shy, you might find video calls more intimidating than face-to-face conversations. Shyness is not a defect or a disadvantage. It’s a natural and common personality trait that shapes how you relate to others and express yourself. However, shyness can also limit your opportunities and enjoyment of video calls.
That’s why it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that shyness brings and to seek ways to overcome them. By doing so, you can
• boost your confidence
• improve your communication skills
• enhance your video call experience.
One way to do that is to choose a social platform that suits your needs and preferences. For example, some platforms offer features that can help you feel more comfortable on video calls, such as the option to mute, hide or use filters or stickers. You can click here to explore one of them and see how it can make your video chats more fun and engaging.
But that’s not all. There are many other strategies that can help you cope with shyness on video chats that will be discussed below.
Strategy 1: Prepare in Advance
One of the best ways to reduce your stress before a video chat is to prepare a little bit beforehand. This can help you feel more ready and relaxed for your conversation. Here are some things you can do to prepare in advance:
Plan your agenda
Outline some interesting topics or conversation starters to keep the interaction flowing smoothly. Prepare questions or anecdotes that can spark engaging discussions.
Research the person
Have some background information and avoid awkward silences. Look up their social media profiles, interests, hobbies, or recent activities. Find some common ground or something that you can compliment them on.
Set up your environment
Ensure that you have a good internet connection, a quiet place, and a nice background. Test your camera, microphone, and speakers. Adjust your lighting and camera angle. Remove any distractions or noises.
Strategy 2: Utilize Visual Cues
Visual cues are anything that can help you communicate or understand better, such as gestures, facial expressions, or images. Here are some ways to utilize visual cues in video chats:
Maintain eye contact
Look directly into the camera to create a sense of connection and engagement. This visual cue conveys attentiveness and interest in the conversation.
Use facial expressions
Express yourself naturally through facial expressions. Smile, nod, or raise your eyebrows to show understanding, agreement, or enthusiasm. Visual cues like these can help convey your emotions and build rapport.
Use hand gestures
Use your hands, head, or body to express yourself and emphasize your points. For example, you can nod, wave, point, or shrug. Gestures can make you look more confident and expressive.
Strategy 3: Find Common Ground
Common ground is anything that you have in common or agree on, such as interests, hobbies, opinions, or experiences. Find common ground on video chats with the following:
Ask open-ended questions
Ask questions that invite the other person to share more about themselves and their views. For example, you can ask what they like to do in their free time. Avoid yes or no questions that can end the conversation quickly.
Share your own stories
Share some stories that relate to what the other person is saying, or that show something about you. For example, you can share a funny anecdote, a memorable experience, or a personal challenge. Avoid oversharing or dominating the conversation.
Acknowledge and validate
Express your interest and appreciation for what the other person is saying or showing. For example, you can say that you find something fascinating, impressive, or inspiring. This fosters a sense of connection and encourages further interaction.
Conclusion
You have learned five tips to survive video calls when you’re shy. These tips can help you feel more confident and relaxed on video calls. Remember, being shy is not a problem but a trait. You can still enjoy video calls and connect with others. Just try these tips and see the difference.
