Years ago, it was said that too much hand movement when speaking could be annoying and distract from the speaker. Today, in our virtual society, hand movements have become our body language, as we are seen from the shoulders up on the screen. In a recent interview, Bill Gates commented about the pandemic. He tried to walk a fine line without causing too much political damage. Gates attempted to be diplomatic, but his hand movements and tone of voice showed he was angry about the state of affairs and troubled about the future ahead with the pandemic. Visual cues will always make an impact.

I have been a Toastmaster for more than 30 years and was recently asked to be president. Toastmasters is critical for growth not just in the area of speaking but also for developing relationships. There are many leadership tracks to take when presenting. Toastmasters also will help develop your skills at providing feedback. I have learned how to give feedback that is impactful and empowering to the speaker. Visit www.toastmasters.org to look into joining a club.

Virtual meetings present multiple challenges. This is especially true for new team members who are being introduced (virtually) to an existing team with a history of working together. Virtual introductions can be made easier by offering time in the first meeting for individuals to really get to know each other before business begins. An interactive discussion is helpful. Ask the team for suggestions as to how best to interact as a new team.

Meeting on Zoom, GoToMeeting, or WebEx is difficult. Long meetings are especially challenging. Be sure to set up early for the meeting, having the items you need available. Put away any distractions, such as a cell phone or additional paperwork (no multi-tasking). Keeping engaged will help you connect with those in the meeting. Facial expressions are the best way to ensure a personal connection (smiling and making eye contact directly into the screen). Watch for cues to ensure your message is being heard. Always use mute when you are not talking. Be open to dialogue on Zoom and engage in discussions.

A cover letter for a resume is a hook that captures the reader’s interest. The letter should encourage the reader to want to review your resume, to go through the information about you, and to add your name to the top of the list for an interview. A cover letter should consolidate your background, highlight key strengths, offer career goals and value-added propositions, and illustrate your positive personal qualities. A cover letter helps orient the reader before looking at your resume. It is the reader’s first impression of you—and you want that impression to be a good one.

Below are 7 rules to use that will help ensure a successful conference call:

1. Schedule the call with a minimum of one week of notice unless it is an emergency meeting (24 hours or less can be scheduled by telephone or by text depending upon the participants).
2. Send a clear agenda and ask for approval or change requests to be submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled meeting date.
3. Provide instructions as to the login and the code needed for login.
4. Set up clear instructions at the beginning of the call regarding using the mute button.
5. Set up guidelines for using the speaker phone setting on the call.
6. Confirm all parties are present at the opening of the call. Also confirm the time allotted for the meeting.
7. Have a wrap up of the meeting approximately 3-5 minutes before the close of the meeting.

Arriving on time or early to a commitment you’ve made is a key element of being a true professional. Recently, an organization I was working with told me that one of their major complaints was about people who were always late—whether to work, meetings, or interviews. Some people think that being late indicates they have high demands on their time (which may be true). However, it shows a lack of respect for the individuals they keep waiting and the time those individuals are wasting while waiting. Being late discounts a person’s professionalism and any capital, they may have previously earned.

Years ago, men’s suits typically came with two pairs of pants (even in the mid-price range). Today, even high-end suits do not. Now, the company Hickey Freeman will let customers order a second pair of pants. The company Ted Baker from London made a smart choice to offer a pair of pants that matches their suit offerings. In the current world of dressing in business casual attire, men might wear a matching jacket. More often, though, they just wear the pants that match the suit jacket component. Companies are wise to offer the ability to purchase clothing separates for men. Ted Baker of London wants to sell suits with the option of buying a second pair of pants—going back to the days when this was customary.

Gravitas means showing decorum, dignity, or seriousness. It is an important trait to display in order to make a positive first impression and to stand out in a crowded field. First impressions happen quickly—and the chance to make a good one is quickly lost. Recently, I attended a fundraiser for a presidential candidate who is not a frontrunner in the race. The candidate rushed in late, tried to pay attention to her supporters, and attempted to smile easily. Although the candidate has long-term success in the political arena, and the ability to overcome a less than stellar first impression, she should have handled her entrance differently. Instead of rushing into the room, the candidate should have taken a moment in the car to set the tone, preparing to walk confidently into the room. She should have paused upon her entrance and waited for the crowd to settle (they would have because she did). In addition, the candidate’s smile looked a bit weary and her clothing choices did not look fresh. Taking time in the car to change into a new jacket, while her staff managed the crowd, would have been wise. It was a missed opportunity for the candidate to show gravitas and to make a strong impression.

Body language, meaning how we stand, the way we walk in a room, and the pacing of our steps, all speak to our confidence. In my favorite movie, Star Trek, I noticed the difference between the way Jim Kirk (now played by Chris Pine) walked onto the bridge and the way Dr. Spock did it. Despite the difference in approaches, both characters radiated an air of quiet confidence.

Watch the difference between first class and premier status boarding passengers the next time you people watch at the airport. Think about how you compare and who might you select as a role model.