The unspoken rule of authority on video calls

Did you know Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" (the book) works literally?

When you physically lean into the table during meetings, you're less likely to be interrupted. It shows that you’re present and engaged.

Studies confirm women get interrupted way more than men, so this really matters.

I was explaining this at a workshop recently when someone raised their hand:

"Christina, that's great... but what if all my meetings are on Zoom?"

Good point - they were right. How DO you lean into a table that doesn't exist?

That question sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole of research. And what I discovered about "digital body language" changed how I show up in virtual meetings with my consulting clients.

Turns out, your camera angle might be sabotaging your authority before you even speak.

Let me show you what I mean...

The hidden reason you keep getting interrupted on Zoom

Imagine you're in a team meeting, sharing an important update. Halfway through your update, someone jumps in and takes over.

Sound familiar?

Here's what most people don't realise: Your camera setup might be sabotaging you before you even open your mouth.

The research is fascinating:

Secret #1: The closer you are to your camera, the harder you are to interrupt

When your face fills more of the screen, it creates what psychologists call "intimate personal space" - even through a computer. This makes others perceive you as more intense and more present.

Think about it. Who gets interrupted more often?

• The person whose face is a tiny dot in the corner of their screen?

• Or the person who is close enough that you can see their expressions clearly?

Stanford researchers found that when you appear larger on screen, colleagues unconsciously feel like you're "right there" with them. They're less likely to cut you off - just like they wouldn't interrupt someone leaning across the table in person.

Secret #2: Eye level means confidence and respect

Direct eye contact is a signal of openness, confidence and respect. Turns out, that matters even more on video calls.

When your camera sits below eye level (hello, laptop on kitchen table), you're literally looking down at everyone. This creates a psychological dynamic where others feel you don’t respect them.

And when the camera is set up above eye level (like your external webcam on a shelf), they feel superior to you.

But when your camera is at eye level?

• People feel like you're looking directly at them

• You appear more credible and engaged

• Others think twice before talking over you
  
  

Your action plan for tomorrow's meeting

1. The camera adjustment: Before your next call, stack some books under your laptop or adjust your external camera so it's exactly at eye level. Not above (you'll look like you're judging everyone), not below (you'll look submissive), but at eye level.

2. The "lean in" position: Sit close enough to your camera that your head and shoulders fill most of the frame. Not so close that you're just a giant face (that's intimidating), but close enough that people can see your expressions clearly.
   
   

Why this matters more than you think

I tested this myself last month during a client project update meeting. The same meeting as usual, but I moved my camera to eye level and sat closer to the screen.

The difference was immediate. I felt like my advice carried more weight, and two team members specifically asked for my input on decisions.

All I had changed was my camera angle.

The uncomfortable truth about virtual presence

Here's what nobody talks about: In virtual meetings, your physical presence is compressed into a tiny rectangle on a screen.

You can be the smartest person in the room with the best ideas, but if you look like a distant shadow in the corner of your camera, you're giving away your power before you even speak.

The good news? Unlike in-person meetings where height, voice volume, and physical space matter, virtual meetings level the playing field. Anyone can claim their digital authority with the right setup.

So tomorrow, in your first video call, consciously move closer to your camera and check that it's at eye level. Notice how people respond to you differently. And let me know!