A 2019 study referenced in the “Technology, Mind, and Behavior” journal found that video participants tend to speak at 15% higher volume than normal phone-talkers.
Recommendations
Bailenson recommends minimizing the size of faces on screens and increasing distance between the monitor and a user’s face. This reduces the impact of the faces on the screen, while also creating a more “conference” style situation.
Consider getting out of the full-screen option and reducing the Zoom window size relative to the monitor. Additionally, get rid of the “Brady Bunch” grid format.
Bailenson also recommends that video platforms change the default practice of actually streaming video unless necessary. Currently the “hide self-view” button is may be used to attend by audio only.
Bailenson suggests that users consider the background of the room that the camera is streaming. Think about camera positioning too. For example, setting the camera to show just a user’s shoulders and up provide the ability to doodle or write during online meetings. And it’s a good idea to turn off the video from time-to-time. It’s easier to avoid non-verbal overload in a “talk only” mode.
