Author Mike Acker Makes TEDx Talk Debut with “Why We’re Doing Web Conferencing Wrong”

Communication coach, author, and speaker Mike Acker recently gave a TEDx Talk outlining the ways in which web conferencing can be less draining and more energizing.

Acker, author of the best-selling public speaking books ‘Speak with No Fear’ and  ‘Speak with Confidence’, is an esteemed executive trainer who offers training specifically centered around improving corporate communication. He is the founder of SMV Training, which focuses entirely on training trainers how to hold exciting, dynamic, engaging virtual meetings. Acker’s sixth book ‘Speak & Meet Virtually’ helps people go from Zoom fatigue to exciting online conferences.

In his TEDx Talk, Acker compares web conferencing with Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek and reminded his audience of the awe people felt watching the screen and wondering if some of that technology might one day become reality. Web conferencing launched with Cisco’s WebEx in the 90s. Now, platforms such as Zoom are used for millions of virtual meetings around the world every single day.

This technology isn’t without its drawbacks. Although convenient, web conferencing has been related with fatigue and burnout, as well as a host of physical ailments. For instance, positioning the head to look down at a keyboard actually affects gravitational torque on the body, adding 10-20 pounds of applied force on the neck per inch the head extends forward. People tend to glaze over staring at the screen, they don’t make eye contact, or they don’t dress for virtual meetings the way they would for in-person conferences.

Acker described how the body and mind shift into social mode when someone is face-to-face with other people. For instance, people tend to use good posture and make eye contact when in face-to-face meetings. In front of a screen, however, the mind shifts into “solo” mode. Slouching happens, little to no eye contact is attempted, and energy is overall depleted.

As it turns out, working in front of a screen can be tiring. The eyes are constantly having to adjust, and poor computer posture causes pain and weariness.

Acker encouraged his audience to think like Captain Kirk and shift their mindset to a social mode before they enter a Zoom meeting. He offered lighting and positioning advice and told the audience to maintain eye contact and use social skills. Putting the mind and body into social mode before a Zoom meeting is energizing during and after the conference.

See Acker’s full TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIYIk_mF5pI.

Learn more about his corporate training programs at https://www.smvprogram.com/.

About Mike Acker

Mick Acker is a communication coach, author, and the founder of SMV Program, which ‘trains the trainers’ on how to liven up stale virtual meetings with dynamic web conferencing strategies in order to be effective and productive. He currently works with ADVANCE, Coaching and Consulting.