What AI Taught Me About My Zoom Face
In a virtual world where AI can tell us anything, the way we communicate and show up as humans has never been more important.
Especially in a “shoulders and up” world, where half of our body language is cropped out. How do we form and maintain connection?
It turns out, your body language is a more powerful tool than you might realize, even though most of it is hidden.
My AI Insights
A few months ago I started using Read.AI to help capture meeting highlights so I could provide thoughtful recaps and capture to-dos.
But with the package came a few other unanticipated features…The most intriguing was a header called “deep dive.”
For any recorded calls, “deep dive” provided scores on my engagement, sentiment, charisma and bias.
I was blown away by the treasure trove of feedback!
And surprised…
Because I wasn’t getting the scores I was expecting.
It is my mission to serve people and I get joy from doing it. Were my facial expressions saying something else?
It turns out I am a s-l-o-w talker.
Read.ai told me I speak 117 words per minute (the ideal is 130-175). Too many “you knows”, and “kind of’s” dinged my clarity score.
My inclusion was rated good, meaning I choose words that aren’t offensive or harmful. ( An occasional “shit” and “sucks” lowered my score, but overall good.)
My impact rating was also good.
But my visual sentiment towards the speaker and the speaker’s visual sentiment towards me when I speak were my lowest scores.
I’d like to think it is because people working hard to solve problems together have “thinking” expressions that could be misinterpreted by AI as biased or off-putting. Or maybe I just have a case of RBF (resting b*tch face) that I didn’t anticipate?🤷♀️
I have to admit since I discovered the coaching tab of Read.ai, I am more aware of my body language.
I try to speak a little more quickly, use fewer fillers, and let my grin shine often.
All that to say, I don’t always believe AI knows best and I know I’m a work in progress.
AND self-awareness is the first step, right?
Self Awareness is a Superpower
As a leader, so much of your effectiveness is rooted in self-awareness.
While you can’t control how others perceive you, you can get curious about it.
Instead of trying to manage every single perception, focus on what you’re actually conveying.
What does your face look like when you’re listening? What about when you’re sitting in silence, waiting to respond?
Your non-verbal cues in those moments are just as impactful as your words.
They tell people if you’re engaged, open, and truly present.
Put it to the test:
If you’re curious about how you’re showing up, seek out feedback from an external source:
- Read.ai—you already know I’m a fan.
- Record yourself presenting and watch it back.
- Ask your team members.
Knowledge is power after all.
Lead with Curiosity, Fight the Urge to Fill Silence
Are you leaving space for others to contribute?
As leaders, we have to fight the urge to fill every silence. Even if it’s with confirmations and affirmations and “yes” and “hmms”.
Virtual meetings don’t make talking around and over people a seamless experience.
(Which should be good considering how inconsiderate it is…)
So when you’re on a call, use your body to convey that you’re open and listening.
Lean in slightly. Give a small nod. Sit up straighter. Mute notifications to eliminate distractions. Give a thumbs up even!
These cues tell your team that it’s safe to speak up, and that you’re interested in what they have to say.
Think about the leader who sits back, stares at their screen, and fills the air with their own thoughts.
Now, picture a leader who leans forward, listens intently, and uses their face to show they’re absorbing what’s being said.
Which one would you rather contribute to? Which would you rather BE?
In a remote world, your face is your handshake.
Let it convey empathy, curiosity, and openness, the qualities AI still can’t fake.
Don’t let your “shoulders and up” be a limitation; let them be your most powerful communication tool.
Lots to learn and teach,
Laurie
