“Nothing replaces being in the same room, face-to-face, reading and feeling each other's micro-expressions.” - Peter Guber, CEO, Mandalay Entertainment
Research has documented that the range of notes and vibrations experienced in live performances are much greater verses the incomplete range which is experienced in a recording or online.
The virtual world has provided incredible opportunities to continue to meet during the unparalleled events of the last two years.
Although the functional aspects of meeting online have become commonplace, the benefits of meeting in-person ultimately outweigh virtual meetings.
Here's why there's no substitute:
Communication
80% of our communication is non-verbal and even though we can see one another in a virtual setting, similar to a live concert, there are subtilties that do not come through or are simply missed. These subtilties deepen and broaden our experiences and contribute to synergies that are only available to us when we are in each other’s live presence. The momentum of communication is also more easily maintained with no lagging, screens freezing, loss of connection and technological issues in general.
Distractions
A higher precedence for attention is set in a live setting. The virtual world can often be temping with multitasking of various work or personal distractions, where open tabs and notifications competition for our attention.
The mute function in virtual meetings, particularly with a larger group, is very handy yet it can also leave the door open for interruptions that hinder our full attention of the meeting details. The etiquette called for during in-person meetings creates an opportunity for greater attention.
Relationships
With less distractions and more perceptible non-verbal communications, in-person meetings nurture opportunities for meaningful relationships. The in-person environment can strengthen trust, increase participation and effectuate commitment between participants. It is easier to feel a sense of community when we interact in-person. Even the opportunity for physical contact, albeit an elbow tap instead of a hug or handshake, enhances our experience and more fully meets our needs as social beings.
Overall, virtual tools have certainly helped us all stay connected. However, the quality of our connections is unquestionably better in-person. Let’s take the opportunity to be away from our computers, look up from our phones and meet face to face.
This article has been presented to OnRichmondhill.com by Access Business Centre, located at 10271 Yonge Street 3rd Floor, Suite 302, Richmond Hill.
Please visit www.accessbusinesscentre.com for Boardroom Meeting rentals.
