EP23: Don't Give Away Your Power When Virtual

Retaining your power in virtual communication means building a presence that resonates and holds influence, even from behind a screen. So, how do we adjust our approach to make sure our impact truly connects in virtual settings?

 

In this episode, Karin Reed unpacks what it takes to communicate powerfully online. Reflecting on a colleague’s observation that 80% of people appear significantly more powerful in person than online, Karin explains how small adjustments can elevate virtual presence. True influence in the digital space is created by intentionally shaping how you show up.

 

Karin shares five practices for retaining power online—from staying visible and speaking up to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere with small talk. Do you find it easy to connect through a screen, or does it feel like a barrier? Karin suggests that everything—your position on camera, lighting, sound, even background—impacts your digital impression.

 

Treating the camera as a direct link to others can transform virtual interactions and create a sense of connection and trust that feels almost face-to-face. Focusing energy through the lens is more than a technical adjustment; it can powerfully build genuine connections. For anyone aiming to leave a lasting impression in the virtual room, Karin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on communicating with strength and authenticity online.

 

Quotes

• “In order to be powerful in the medium that you have available to you, you have to understand that there’s nuance and things that you have to change in order to ensure that you can have as much presence as possible in the room as that room allows you.” (02:20 | Karin Reed)
• “Recognize if your goal is to be powerful in that room. So if your goal is to have influence and impact over the decisions that are being made or to inspire people to take action, having the video on is a critical component of that.” (03:16 | Karin Reed) 
• “Your digital impression might be the only impression that people have of you. So you owe it to them to make sure it’s a good one. You want them to be able to communicate with you as easily as possible without distraction, but you owe it to yourself because you want what is appearing on the screen here to be a good reflection of your personal leadership brand, a personal leadership brand that you want to be powerful as.” (14:11 | Karin Reed)
• “Focus on connecting with your conversation partners—not just spouting information at them, but connecting with them by injecting humanity into the way you interact and encouraging conversation and dialogue. Be as authentic as you possibly can be… The camera does change everything, but it should not change you.” (21:56 | Karin Reed)

 

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

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