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Unit 3. Camera focus, body, gesture: non-verbal communication and distance. In this unit, we shall look into a common problem to many: the stage fright, meaning the fear of speaking in front of the video camera and in general the fear of speaking in front of an audience. This is a common problem for which there is an easy solution. It is simply a matter of paying attention not to the verbal level of language, but to the non-verbal one. In this unit, you will therefore find the importance of non-verbal communication. You will discover that, despite the largely unconscious non-verbal communication, it is however possible to monitor gestures, posture and camera focus. Thanks to this unit, you will learn some simple rules that will allow you to open up towards your listeners, fundamental to establishing a relationship of trust. You can therefore acquire trust and finally you will then be able to talk about a large number of people, in videoconferences that today are more and more popular. Let’s get going right away.   In our digital age, videoconferences are becoming increasingly common and this, for many, is a matter of unease and stress. This is the stage fright, fear of the camera, of the lens trained on you, of attention focused on your movements. This is a common fear, perhaps generated by our innate shyness, which induces many to refuse or fear videoconferences, preferring to them to the physical presence of people. However, this is often not possible. Our world is fast and globalized: progress in the transport sector are under everyone's eyes, in a few hours we can shuttle to and from any European state. However, there are situations where we are forced to deal with the distance and consequently with the feared videoconferences. What to do in such cases? Simple: it is necessary to learn some communication and behavioural strategies that can help us overcome stage fright and serenely liaise with others, even when it comes to virtual relationships. To do this it is necessary to first analyse the world of communication. When talking about communication, the first thing that comes to mind is the voice and verbal language. However communication is not only verbal, as many believe. In fact, great importance is covered by non-verbal communication and the para-verbal communication. What is it? We immediately see what the differences are between these three levels of communication. Wikipedia states that verbal communication: "takes place through the use of language, both written and oral, and which depends on precise syntactical and grammatical rules". Verbal communication consists simply of words, organized in sentences according to the known grammatical rules. It is the most conscious level of communication, despite representing only 10% of the entire communication content. The second level is the non-verbal one that: "takes place without the use of words, but through diversified channels, such as facial mimics, looks, gestures, postures». This level of communication is much less conscious, but becoming aware of its importance, we can improve it. We can in fact focus on our posture and our movements to better communicate. Non-verbal communication corresponds to 55% of the entire speech content: it is very important, but often its importance is obscured by verbal communication that, although less important, "it is felt" with more strength. The last level consists of the para-verbal communication which: "concerns tone, volume and rhythm of those who speak, of pauses and other sound expressions (such as clearing the throat)". Even this type of communication is actually very important, it corresponds to 38% of total communication, but this level is often obscured by verbal communication. In this unit, we will focus above all on non-verbal communication, the one that therefore involves posture, movement, position occupied by the body in space. In reality, non-verbal communication is also important when we communicate through the medium of writing: calligraphy, for example, can reveal much of our character. If instead the written communication means is digital, they will be fonts, colour, images and emoticons chosen to convey our non-verbal communication. You have therefore understood that the non-verbal and para-verbal level of our communicative act correspond to about 70-80% of the total communication. The importance covered through verbal communication is minimal. When we are in the middle of a videoconference, it is good to pay attention also to our non-verbal communication and not only as we communicate through words. The non-verbal level also involves, for example, our way of dressing: through dress we communicate, and that's why we must pay attention to the clothes we choose. Many of us fear videoconferences, so to manage our stage anxiety, it is good to better grasp the non-verbal communication. This level of communication is largely unconscious, but we can become aware of it and learn to better conceive our messages taking into account what our gestures, posture and our camera focus communicate from time to time. The look, therefore, communicates. It is for this reason that when you find yourself in the middle of a video conference, it is good not to look away. Pay attention to the direction of your eyes and try to look directly at the camera. In this way your listeners will see your eyes on their screens, as if you were facing each other, as if you looked directly into their eyes. Don't look at your image or that of other listeners: in addition to distracting you, it could make you anxious. Instead, look straight, towards the camera, it will allow you to appear at ease and in harmony with the situation. Even listeners, on the other hand, will feel confident if they feel observed. The look is in fact very important: it is a communicative signal that allows you to establish confidence among listeners. It is a sign of competence, reliability and sincerity. It is true, the camera focus is important, then following this simple advice will help you establish a better distance relationship and, moreover, it can help you overcome the shyness felt in front of the camera. The look is not everything though. The main problem remains: the fear of speaking in public. How to overcome this fear and how to talk to the best in front of the public? Follow these simple rules. Rule number one: preparations. Knowing the topic is a great way to start and overcome the fear of speaking in public. Knowing the topic at best will allow you to feel safe: you know you will easily field any questions your listeners will ask you. In addition to knowing the subject, it is advisable to prepare an effective presentation: how? Keep this fact in mind: people like examples taken from real life. An example based on a real experience is a great way to start a speech, create interest among listeners and allow them to empathize with what you have to tell. You can also use examples even to explain the most complicated steps, to dissolve the most problematic nodes and to lighten your presentation. Also remember to prepare an effective conclusion, which summarizes the content of your speech and allows you to mesmerise the listener to the end.