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Unit 1. Useful tips for dealing with distance. In this unit, you will discover some strategies that will allow you to interface with your listeners in a better way, despite the distance. One of the obstacles that characterize digital relationships consists in the difficulty between two or more subjects to understand each other. Much of our communication is not in fact conveyed by the voice, as you might think, but by the body. This type of communication is known as non-verbal communication or as paraverbal communication. In non-verbal communication, the body is central and with it the camera focus, attitude, posture; all this allows us to understand what the other intends to communicate to us. Globalization has also given prominence to the relational aspect, helping to multiply contacts and interpersonal relationships and participating in numerous and different socialization processes. Our digitalized era, while guaranteeing a central role to relationships and communication, has nevertheless highlighted a fundamental problem represented by distance. However, in this unit you will discover some strategies that can be helpful when you are dealing with relationships and virtual meetings, for example, video conferences. Through these simple strategies, you will learn to relate to your listeners in the best possible way, bypassing the artificial barrier that has apparently been placed between us, the screen of our computers. Let's get going.   Humans are talking animals, the only ones to be gifted with word, and are able to make great use of this tool. We always talk, everyone, continuously, often even alone; The verbal discourse still remains one of the best tools we can use to communicate with others. One of the best for sure, but certainly not the only one. Communication makes use only for 90% of words. And the rest? The rest of the communication is under the so-called paraverbal and non-verbal, the language of the body, pitch, tone and voice. Communication is not a business of only sounds, but the body is of primary and fundamental importance, and so is our ability to understand the minimum changes. Expressions and postures change, so do attitudes and gestures. All these innate or learned movements contribute to our ability to understanding what the other person intends to communicate. We can read the mind of people much better than one might believe, passing through body movements, the voice pitch and tone. Body language, which for a long time focused solely on our cognitive abilities, returns to being central today. Ironically its importance emerges because of its very absence in the digital era. Today we find ourselves in a period where the written text prevails over oral communication which remains the privilege of the few: true communication takes place through social platforms. The beginning of globalization was characterized by the multiplication of contacts and relationships. Today these contacts and relationships have become mere devices, and have gone digital. How can we communicate and stay in touch despite the distance? How can body movements, posture and looks prevail when a computer or a smartphone stands between us? How does the voice replace the body today and how can we fill the void left by the latter? In this unit, you will find some precious tips and useful answers that will teach you the language of body-speak. Let's therefore immediately check the strategies and tools that will allow you to better manage space and your own body in the distance and digital era. First illuminate the environment. When we deal with video screens, conference calls, light is a fundamental element. Imagine being at the centre of a photo shoot: light, orientation and angles matter. Be careful to avoid shadows: they could be annoying and distract your listener who instead must remain focused on your person and on your voice. The shadows could also create unpleasant effects, accentuating dark circles or face signs, giving you a scruffy and tired look. To avoid these drawbacks, there are excellent solutions at your fingertips! First, place the light source behind the webcam: this will allow you to control the shadows, directing the light and the webcam themselves towards the same direction. Should you not like this solution for any reason, you can try to position two lights behind the webcam, one to your right and one to your left. After making sure you have checked the lights and the shadows to the best, concentrate now on your webcam image.¬¬¬   Try to train the webcam using your eyes as a reference. This will allow you to conquer all your listener’s attention, who will not be distracted by background images. To do this, you can take advantage of some easy tricks: If you are using a laptop, for example, you can put a book or a support that helps you lift it that much that allows you to better position the webcam. To guarantee your listener’s attention, make sure you are in his/her visual field. Neutral backgrounds are the most professional, a smooth and possibly clear wall. Try to remove any object from the wall you have chosen that can distract your listener. Your listener must remain concentrated on you: remember that it is easy to distract yourself, especially when you are many hours in front of a computer screen. So try to help your listener to stay focused on what you're saying, it will surely be more interesting than your home! Eliminate all those objects that could make you look unprofessional. It is preferable to choose, as a background object, a desk or a library rather than holiday photographs. To identify or create the best background for your conference calls, follow these simple tips. Sit at your workstation, take a screenshot with the webcam you use to work: in this way you will be able to see how others see you and the background you have chosen. The wall should be clear and clean, the most neutral and professional possible.