As a coach with 20 years of experience in professional development, I can tell you that online, in-person, and hybrid environments are rather different spaces for influencing, presenting, and negotiating with stakeholders. This sort of fundamental shift means we need to boost our digital skills, particularly our online body language. Si, si, online is not the same. Para nada!
When organizations had to pivot to virtual work in 2019, I was kind of ahead of the curve, having spent the previous year getting comfortable with these skills. This early preparation turned out super valuable when the pandemic hit, letting me guide others in developing their own effective online presence. Let me share some powerful insights about this transforming landscape.
Digital Body Language: How to Speak Without Saying a Word
How you stand, move, or even breathe in a room says a lot. Are you confident or hesitant? Engaged or bored? In person, it’s easy to pick up on these signals—crossed arms, eye rolls, a distracted glance at a phone.
But what happens when work moves online?
In the digital world, body language doesn’t disappear—it transforms. Your response time, punctuation, emoji use (or lack of it), and even the dreaded ‘seen’ with no reply—these are the new cues shaping how we’re perceived.
Enter Digital Body Language.
According to Erica Dhawan, best-selling author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance, this is basically the new currency of communication.
Here’s the reality: You can be smart, competent, and charismatic, but if your digital presence is cold, unclear, or unintentional, you might still come across as dismissive, disconnected, or difficult to work with.
Let’s break down how to master it.
The 4 Rules of Digital Body Language
1️ Visibility = Value
You don’t just need to show up—you need to be seen.
Think like a TV host, not an office host. Cameras on? Check. Engage people early and often? Check. Crystal-clear agenda? Absolutely.
Rule of thumb: No one should ever leave your meeting thinking, Was I supposed to be there?
2️ Precision Over Speed
Quick replies are great—until they create confusion, tension, or unnecessary chaos.
Before you hit send: Is it clear? (Would a stranger understand it?) Does it need context? (Assume people are juggling 100 things.) Is it intentional? (Are you solving or creating a problem?)
Slow down to speed up. One well-written message beats 10 follow-ups.
3️ Collaboration Without Bias
In remote work, proximity bias is real.
We sort of reward the people we see more—even if they’re not delivering the best results.
STOP defaulting to the loudest voices in the (Zoom) room. Instead, involve all team members, even the quieter ones. Rotate speaking opportunities in calls. Acknowledge contributions visibly (not just in private DMs).
If you don’t include people, you’ll lose them.
4️ Trust First, Correct Later
Ever read a message and thought, are they mad at me?
Here’s a secret: Assume the best, not the worst.
No response ≠ They’re ignoring you. A short email ≠ They’re upset. A lack of emojis ≠ They hate you.
Trusting digital intent reduces tension and keeps work flowing.
Instead of assuming the worst, ask: “Can you clarify?”
Master Digital Body Language—Or Get Misread
Your digital presence is your professional presence.
Be visible—own the (virtual) room. Be clear—avoid chaos and confusion. Be inclusive—every voice matters. Be trusting—don’t let misinterpretations derail success.
Final Thought: Digital body language isn’t just something nice to have—it’s basically the key to how you’re perceived. Master it, and you’ll stand out in every email, call, and Slack chat.
What’s your biggest challenge with digital communication? Drop a comment & let’s discuss. I train leaders and teams in corporate setting son how to be more influential in-person and online, interested? Let’s talk.
And if this was useful, share it with someone who could use better Zoom vibes!
Gabriela Mueller Mendoza www.gabrielamueller.com
Executive Coach | Speaker | Future-Ready Strategist
LISTEN to one of my Podcast episodes it new skills here
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