In this episode of Building Better Cultures, we hear from a top virtual-speaking specialist who sees a golden opportunity in the virtual world. Peter Hopwood, a global executive speaker coach, believes the most reticent public speakers can emerge as stronger, more engaging communicators than ever before.

There are ways to leverage your online environment and actually take pleasure in an ability to control the stage. Peter highlights the many variables (from sound to lighting to backdrop to gesticulation) that can be modulated to our advantage. He also explains other new factors to consider, such as the imperative to develop disciplined, compelling messaging that quickly captures – and then holds – people's interests.

To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.BuildingBetterCultures.com. You can also find out more about Scott's coaching and consultancy by visiting Inspiring Change's website.

If you're struggling with communications in this time of hybrid workplace, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Some of the changes and challenges that leaders in our new hybrid face:
  • In a virtual world we lack all the usual sense-based indicators and cues.
  • Screens requires that we amplify (or minimize) our expressions, gestures and actions so that they read remotely.
  • Factors like sound, lighting, voice, concision, air time all impact how we come across online.
  • Attention spans are shorter and harder to marshal remotely when so many competing apps are there to distract.
• Stay conscious at all times of how you're showing up, whether you're connecting and how brief the amount of time to engage really is.
• Many leaders are lagging behind in awareness, oblivious that what worked in boardrooms doesn't translate to Zoom, WebEx or whatever other online platform.
• When you're appearing onscreen, capitalize on the upside! You're 100% in control and can manage how you project and what kind of background you present.
• What storytelling is for Peter and why it matters: Stories about what has happened to us and the attendant emotions define us as humans and create the bridges through which we connect. Emotional connection = Power of storytelling.
• Emblematic words in a post-cubicle hybrid workplace where people show up differently – Empathy, Gratitude and Community.
• Advice from Peter for leaders who wish to become better communicators: Be curious and show curiosity; and tell stories

EPISODE QUOTES"I help teams and professionals find their stories and deliver them in a way that connects in a way that people will remember for the right reasons."

"Screens are almost more intimate than face-to-face so the key is really being aware of how we're coming across."

"We really have to make sure that the things we share (onscreen) are more concise, more to the point, get people feeling engaged and connected."

"If you can do well and get chemistry going (onscreen), it can only help you when it comes to going back to or building on your in-person communications skills."

"If we can connect with emotion and get people to feel that emotion and connect it with the message we want to share, then to me, that is the power of storytelling and how to use it."

ABOUT PETER HOPWOODBritish Global Speaker Coach, Virtual Speaking Specialist & TEDx Coach, Storytelling for Sales Trainer, Worldwide Corporate Events MC & Speaker - lived in 7 countries, worked in 42, currently based in Croatia, working worldwide on Zoom! Storytelling strategist, confidence-booster & connector, I help professionals and global teams define, craft and deliver stronger stories, connect with their audiences and customers and take control of their messages, storyline & speaking impact. Website: www.peter-hopwood.com Peter @LinkedIn (lots of tips and resources)

ABOUT SCOTT MCINNESLearn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here.

ABOUT WORKVIVODiscover Workvivo, a workplace communication and engagement platform that offers seamless digital integration, here.