Zoom anxiety is real

Do you dread those awkward video call silences, your face freezing in awkward positions and your device crashing at the worst possible moment?

“Zoom anxiety” has become a serious problem for many. Defined as “a feeling of panic when asked to jump on a video call”, Zoom anxiety affects almost three quarters of people, for all manner of different reasons. Having a fear of online learning can affect both students and teachers alike.

2020 saw a rise in the need for online meetings, and I personally much prefer to be face to face. As the tutor I had to be prepared for sessions, but physically being able to see myself when delivering lessons made me extremely self-conscious. I couldn't tell what my students where thinking due to a lack of body language, and it was generally much harder to support them. Trying to get learners to contribute to conversations was like getting blood out of a stone in some cases.

Other triggers include worrying about accidently turning off mute and having an unprofessional background (yes, that is my boyfriend walking around in his boxers,) and I have no idea what to do with my hands. I talk a lot with arm movements, and occasionally I freeze in such a position that makes me look like some crazed cavewoman.

Some of the ways I dealt with my online teaching anxiety was to:

1. Limit calls - It’s okay to ask if a chat really needs to be a video call. Sometimes just an email or a shared document will work.

2. Start a session with a pub quiz - Many of us began designing online pub quizzes for friends and family when we couldn't see them in person, these are also great to help learners feel relaxed and engaged before starting a lesson.

3. Being prepared - It is super helpful to run through a presentation with your closest colleague before clients or learners and learn the tech. It is also a great idea to arrange your space.... test the lighting, open a window and have a cup of tea ready so you can take a breather while talking.

4. Ask for help if you need it - I am very lucky in my organisation, and my colleagues are very supportive. During lockdown I had to deliver a presentation to Southern Rail staff members about how to train young people. I was extremely nervous, so I asked my colleague for help, and we took turns delivering sections of the session. This was a life saver.

5. Remember it is not forever - Online meetings are normally considerably shorter than those that are delivered face to face. It is harder for all participants to spend long periods of time on a screen in a home environment due to children, pets.... the postman knocking on the door, so plan shorter sessions. Hopefully, when the pandemic is completely in the past, the number of video calls we participate in will drop, don't be afraid to ask your team for for in-person meetings.

Have you had an anxiety triggering online meeting? Send me a message to share your story!