Playlist (Spotify | YouTube)
If You Could Only See – Tonic
The Look – Roxette
Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall
Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
Have You Seen Me Lately? – Counting Crows
Your Smiling Face – James Taylor
See You Again – Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus
U Got the Look – Prince
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Ms. Lauryn Hill (Frankie Valli cover)
I’ve Got To See You Again – Norah Jones
I’ve Just Seen a Face – The Beatles
…And she keeps calling me back to her
What is it about the act of seeing someone that can turn our world on its side, like The Beatles sing? It evokes emotion. It elicits action. Well, scientists have found there is a special area of our brain devoted to recognizing faces and facial expressions. It must be important! Research estimates that eighty to eighty-five percent of our perception, learning, cognition, and activities are mediated through vision. As we delve deeper into a world of physical distance and working remotely, I want to remind us all that seeing faces is important!
VIDEO STAT: Video used on social media channels generates 12x more shares than text and images combined. (Hubspot)
Human beings are social creatures, we are made for community. Even the most introverted or the boldest stand alone leader needs human connection. We’re wired for it. Removing that from our daily routines, especially the work environment which for many is a big part of daily social interactions, removes a critical part of our being.
“Eyes are windows to the soul”
Sight allows us to gather a myriad of information. Have you ever heard the expression “you eat with your eyes first”? Yes, if it looks good it will likely taste good, too. The mind takes in information, draws conclusions, and often moves us to act on that information. Now more than ever, if you’re communicating with your employees, clients, customers, or partners, consider being present; consider showing your face.
When my boss came across the Slack channel with this message, it didn’t tell me anything verbally that I didn’t already know or expect; but seeing Brad’s eyes and facial expressions, I absorbed the whole “show not tell” of his message– the authenticity of steadfast leadership. Now, at Voyage, we are storytellers. We tell stories that are impactful and move folks to action– whether that’s to buy, or donate, or join, or inspire a desire to learn more. We tell stories for our clients that create connection despite not being in-person. When you’re connected you’re not alone, and you’re braver, right? When you’re connected, you’re brave enough to act. Seeing Brad’s face connected me to him, Voyage, my teammates, and the work I do for my clients.
VIDEO STAT: Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it in text. (WIREBUZZ)
Read a Memo or Read an Emotion
We can learn information from reading instructions. We gather intel from hearing a tone of voice or cadence of speech. But when we see our leader’s eyes, their body language, facial expressions– another level of communication is unlocked. A level that we may take for granted at that weekly team meeting or even during a quick pop-in from the boss (especially on a Friday at 4pm…)
Particularly in times of uncertainty, crisis, and chaos, seeing the face of your leader, your confidant, your team, or your trusted brand can ease anxieties more than a carefully crafted email. Consider showing your face. It’s powerful enough that it just might tip the current world on its side.
Brad’s message specs:
- Shot on iPhone 8, selfie mode (aka front-facing camera)
- Natural lighting (note window placement)
- Audio recording via iPhone 8
- 1 take – unedited*
*internal communication, not meant for public consumption…thanks for allowing me to share it here, Brad!
Other ideas for “face-to-face” messaging for right now:
- Client-facing business status/update for website or email (tips & tricks – email me!)
- Company-wide or department/team meetings (We recommend Zoom for quality or Google Hangouts for ease)
- Team-boosting invite to virtual happy hour (ask us how!)
- Client Testimonials/interviews (we have ideas for best practices!)
- Quick note from leader (eg. welcome to the new week, moment of levity, TGIF)
- Quick note for your co-worker!
- What else are you thinking? I’d love to brainstorm with you or simply add to this list with your ideas!
How important is face-to-face communication? More at Fast Company
An increase in neural synchronization occurs with face-to-face communication – What does THAT mean?? More at Psychology Today
Because you do business with people, not entities– the beauty of communication is found in the nuance that’s only felt in face-to-face conversations. More at Forbes
