Triple Take #14: virtual meetings, hand symmetry, and muscle release for calm
- Kaffy Rice-Oxley
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Voice Confident's Triple Take - your fortnightly trio of tips!
In this issue - avoid voice fatigue in virtual meetings; when to use hand symmetry; and progressive muscle relaxation.
Voice - virtual meetings
We take so many Zoom and Teams calls now - and it’s really easy to fall into bad habits that fatigue the vocal folds, including slouching, shallow breathing, and speaking too low in the throat.
(I fall foul of this a lot and often notice my voice is more tired after a day of Zoom calls than a day of in person meetings... so easily done!)
When taking a virtual meeting:
Sit up straight and keep your chin parallel with the floor, not stuck out towards the screen. Make sure your tummy area isn’t constricted so that you can breathe deeply and in a relaxed manner to support your voice.
Over- rather than under-articulate, and check your mic volume is high enough - this will allow others on the call to hear what you are saying more clearly without you having to speak loudly to be heard.
Imagine that you are talking to someone a bit further away than your computer screen is so that you naturally project the sound in a more sustainable way.
Drink lots of water and make sure you are taking movement breaks away from the screen!
Presence - hand gestures
Symmetrical hand gestures, where both hands move in a balanced, mirror-like way, can enhance communication by making a speaker appear more confident, organised and credible. They help clarify ideas and keep the audience engaged by reinforcing structure and intentionality in the message.
These gestures are especially powerful when there is agreement in the room. They visually reflect unity and shared understanding, supporting a sense of harmony between speaker and audience. Because of the visual balance, symmetrical gestures align well with moments of consensus.
An easy way to get started is just to have both hands open at elbow height, like you are holding a beach ball. You can also circle the hands outwards and bring them together loosely, if you are saying something which everyone generally agrees with. This movement makes it more likely that the audience will accept and remember the statement.
(Nb. Symmetrical movements don’t really work for controversial statements or genuine questions or ‘out of the box’ ideas because there appears to be a gulf between the statement and the gesture and so can come across as ill judged or even manipulative.)
Confidence - muscle release
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a simple yet powerful technique for easing anxiety. By tensing and then slowly releasing each muscle group, you help your body let go of built-up tension and signal safety to your nervous system. It’s especially effective before high-stress moments like public speaking or big meetings.
To practice PMR, find a quiet space and sit or lie down comfortably. Start at your feet and toes: tense the muscles tightly for 5 seconds, then release slowly, noticing the contrast. Focus on fully relaxing, that's the powerful bit. Move upward (eg. calves, thighs, stomach, hands, arms, shoulders, face) tensing and relaxing each group. Keep breathing slow and relaxed throughout.
This process trains your body to recognise and release tension, helping to calm your mind. With regular practice, PMR becomes a quick, effective tool for reducing anxiety and restoring balance.
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