12 Beautiful and Surprising Insights From Audio-Only on Zoom Calls
When I switched to audio-only on zoom, this is the waiting room message my meeting attendees see.
I’ve been audio-only on zoom calls for six months now.
In short, it’s been glorious and, hands down, one of the best decisions I made in my business. Other than having the best week in business the week I made the call to unplug the webcam, it’s brought lots of other insights and perks.
Going video free as an online business owner has definitely been a big topic of conversation. As online business owners, there’s an unspoken expectation that we need to constantly show our faces, whether in selfies, live-streaming, dancing in a reel, or a #vulnerableshare.
I’ve recently had some discussions with people in corporate for some of the business writing and training I do.
When I arrive on a call they’re hosting, I usually don’t announce that I’m audio-only right away. I mean — they’re adults and can see my video is off. It’s not an accident. I’ll always say something if they ask because I’m always happy to share my passion for audio-free focus. Whenever I share, it sparks a great discussion.
One recently said, “I can hear you just fine but can’t see you.”
I told her, “That’s because I don’t use video in my business.”
She quickly said, “Oh,” and carried on with her video. This was funny because most people will turn theirs off, too (and usually relieved, they thank me). Occasionally someone leaves theirs on. I’m not looking at them, though. I minimize the screen and look elsewhere. Usually, at the notes I keep about our conversation. I’ll look at the screen if they’re screen-sharing. Otherwise, I’m focused intently on what they’re saying.
One of the funnier responses I’ve received, one lady said, “Oh, are we hiding ourselves today?” This was in a group copy coaching call I was running. I told her it’s not about hiding; it’s about focusing.
Going audio-only isn’t about hiding. It’s about focusing.
By far, the response I’ve received most to my video-free calls — people wish they could do it too or they’re simply curious and want to know more.
“Oh, I wish I could do that too!” Many of them tell me.
To which I reply, “You can. Just stop. Literally.”
In a few chats I’ve had with folks who work at startups and mid-sized businesses, they said I was making a smart move, and they encouraged all employees only to use video if they’re comfortable. Now, if I were to go back to corporate, that would be a place I’d want to work.
Some other observations since pulling the plug on my webcam:
One thing we do a lot of is constantly look at ourselves on camera. People spend a lot of time fixing their hair while talking on video. It’s so distracting. What were you saying? I was watching you fuss with your hair.
We speak slower and more intentionally when we know there’s no spotlight on us. I’ve noticed that when some have cameras on, they continue on longer than they need to.
Even though I'm not on camera, I still get dressed and put makeup on every day.
I’ve been on many calls where (mostly women) join with their cameras off and apologize for not being on video. “I’m sorry I’m not on video — my allergies are bad today!” Please, let’s normalize 1) not apologizing and 2) the idea that being on audio-only calls for an apology
Most people are grateful — they arrive and tell me, “I’m so glad I’m not on video today!”
One client told me that in 2020, when her husband’s company went remote, he decided then and there “no video” — because he knew how detrimental not only being on a screen all day can be, but the effects of being on video all day.
I sometimes forget to mute myself and have found myself unmuted on a group call where I popped open a kombucha, leading to a kombucha burp. I apologized in the chat (thankfully, she didn’t hear me because she’d gotten up to get tea).
You can get up to make tea whenever you like.
I’ve enjoyed more calls while walking around my house, sitting on the porch, or going for a walking call. More movement, connection, and sunshine during meetings that matter.
My office is in my bedroom, and I no longer worry about people barging in and being unintentionally on screen.
I find it easier to get to the point when I’m not watching everyone’s faces for their reaction. I can say what I need to say and let it land.
It takes a while to become comfortable with pauses and silence. When we have visuals, we’re so bombarded with information that we don’t realize we’re talking nonstop.
If you’ve developed a case of zoom fatigue since 2020 — know that’s not necessarily the volume of calls you engage in daily, but the number of hours logged being on video and watching video.
Unplugging my video is just one way I’m continually managing my energy. The more energy I conserve from being on video, the more I can pour into my work — book writing, blogging, client work. I’m more effective at everything I do and have the energy to do so.
Read the original blog to see what informed this article and the practical ways I let my clients know.
The Quiet Quitting of Zoom: Unplugging the Camera To Boost Creative Energy
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