Overcoming Screen Fatigue
There is no denying it we all have it. Screen fatigue, like many concepts in 2020 this word evolved. It used to be used mostly by eye doctors to describe the condition that occurs when your eye gets strained looked at digital devices. Now, it’s that and so much more. Screen fatigue is the very real feeling in your brain, body, and energy that you are exhausted, drained, or overwhelmed.
It seems screen time will not be going down any time soon. Here are my 3 tips to rejuvenate your audience no matter what online platform you are using.
1. Agree to what level of audio and/or video you will have BEFORE the meeting begins
As a professional thought leader and trainer, I am very comfortable being on camera. What I have witnessed working across industries is the video/screen comfort levels are different company to company, industry to industry, and person to person. Be kind, either ask people in advance how they want to hand the screen setting or state in advance what your preference is. When possible select the option that allows for the best alignment to getting the goals of the meeting completed.
2. Use screen fatigue as a common connection
Name it! When hosting and as appropriate when participating in a meeting and you see or hear people dropping off. Take a moment and call it out. Say something like.. Is it possible we are all Zoomed out? Most will say yes. Then suggest your fellow screen family take a moment to breathe.
3. Take a minute to get fully in the meeting or event
If we walked into a traditional meeting room we would scan the room for who is in it. Invite others to do the same in your virtual setting. Say a few "hi's". Check in with one another.
4. Swap out the energy during your events
In many ways, we forget that behind these screens are humans. Human-to-human connection is critical to success no matter the goal of the meeting. Create intentional interaction and never, ever set a meeting that is just a talking head.
A bonus tip as more people are transitioning in and out of traditional work environments many will be wearing masks to your online meetings. Having your mouth and nose covered and seeing yourself on a screen can be a little, well, different. When you see this, and you will be mindful maybe thank the person for staying safe, give them the chance to navigate the new.
No matter if you are planning an on-screen meeting for 15 minutes or 3 days it is critical in today’s screen fatigue world that you take mindful moments.
