Virtual listening skills

Remote meetings demand a different set of listening skills. Without in-person body language, we need to tune in more carefully to vocal cues, screen presence, and digital interaction patterns. Research shows that 60-80% of our face-to-face communication relies on non-verbal cues like pacing, pauses, gestures, and tone. These elements that are harder to detect in virtual settings.^[1]

Think about your last video call. Did someone's voice get higher when discussing deadlines? Did they lean closer to the camera while making an important point? These digital behavior patterns help understand stakeholders' true responses when meeting online.

Focus on these virtual signals:

• Voice patterns: Tone changes and hesitations
• Screen presence: Distance from camera, posture shifts
• Response time: Pauses before answering
• Background signs: Environment changes, distractions
• Chat activity: Message timing and tone

Watch for technical issues that might affect communication. Poor connection or audio lag can be mistaken for hesitation or disinterest.