Build Warmth Through a Lens
Thirty-two ways to build real warmth through a lens, so people feel your care even across a screen.
Warmth travels through a camera. You just have to send it on purpose.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Every BODY Is Saying (Joe Navarro), The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan and Barbara Pease), Presence (Amy Cuddy), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Warmth travels through a camera
Warmth is a mix of eye contact, a smile, a kind tone and attention, and a camera carries more of it than most people expect. A little deliberate warmth goes a long way on screen.
Choose one warm habit to bring to your next call.
Smile at the start
A warm smile as you join sets the tone for the whole call. Look at the lens, smile and greet people.
Smile and say hello to the lens.
Use names
Saying a person’s name makes the call personal, and people feel seen. “Thanks, Priya, that is helpful.”
Use two names in your next call.
Greet each person
In a small group, greet people one by one as they join. Everyone feels welcome.
Say hello to each person by name.
Ask how people are
A short “How are you?” with a real look builds warmth, especially when you listen to the answer.
Ask and listen.
Share a human moment
A short comment about your weekend or the weather humanises the call. It lets people see you.
Share one small personal detail.
Listen well
Show you listen with nods, a calm face and eyes on the speaker. People feel valued when you listen.
Nod at their key points.
Smile in your voice
A smile changes your voice, even on camera or audio only. It sounds warm and friendly.
Smile as you speak.
Slow down
A calm pace feels warm, and rushing feels cold. Slowing down helps people relax.
Slow your pace by a fifth.
Look at the lens at warm moments
When you thank people, praise a colleague or share good news, look at the lens. It feels personal.
Look at the lens for your thanks.
Look at faces when listening
When others speak, look at their faces. It shows you are engaged and makes them feel heard.
Look at the speaker.
Keep your camera on when you can
Seeing faces builds connection. If your camera has to be off, say why kindly.
Camera on when possible.
Frame yourself well
A well-framed face feels present and professional. Keep your eyes about a third of the way down the frame.
Check your framing.
Light your face
Good light makes you look warm and approachable.
Face a window.
Reduce background noise
Clear audio feels kinder and helps everyone relax.
Find a quiet space.
Thank people
Say thank you for contributions, especially to quieter people. It builds goodwill.
Thank someone by name.
Give credit
Name the people who helped. Public credit builds trust.
Credit a colleague.
Celebrate wins
Cheer for others with a smile, a clap emoji and a kind comment. Celebration builds team warmth.
Celebrate one win.
Show empathy
If someone is struggling, say so kindly and look at them with care. A short “That sounds tough” matters.
Offer one kind line.
Check in quietly
Ask a quiet person, “Do you have any thoughts?” Include them without pressure.
Invite a quiet colleague.
Make space
Let people finish. Pause before speaking. Silence is respectful.
Wait one beat.
Use humour gently
A light joke builds warmth. Keep it kind and inclusive.
Smile and lighten the mood.
Tell a short story
A short story connects people. Keep it to thirty seconds.
Share one.
Be present
Close other tabs. Presence is the warmest thing you can give on a call.
Focus.
Be punctual
Starting on time respects people and shows care.
Join on time.
End warmly
Say thank you and goodbye with a smile and a look at the lens.
End with a smile.
Follow up
A short message after the call strengthens warmth.
Send a note.
Make one-to-ones personal
Begin with a minute of chat before business. It sets a friendly tone.
Chat for one minute first.
Make team calls human
Start with a quick check-in or a fun question. It builds belonging.
Ask a fun opener.
Make client calls friendly
Warm greetings build trust. Use their name and smile.
Greet warmly.
Make family calls special
Look at the lens and smile for relatives. They love it, especially children and elders.
Look at the camera.
Make calls with children playful
Use expressions and playful voices. Children respond to warmth.
Play.
Make calls with elders patient
Speak slowly and look at the camera. Be kind and patient with technology.
Be patient.
Be authentic
Warmth cannot be faked for long. Be genuine.
Be yourself.
Look after yourself
You warm others best when rested.
Rest.
Add a personal touch to your background
A plant, a mug or a pet strolling by invites conversation and warmth. A tidy background with one personal touch makes you approachable.
Add one small friendly object.
Ask for feedback
Ask someone how you come across on video. Their answer can surprise and encourage you.
Ask.
Practise
Warmth grows with practice. Try one new habit each week.
Practise one habit.
Celebrate warmth
When people feel connected, enjoy it.
Note it.
Warmth is a team habit
If you start a call with a smile and a name, others usually do the same. Warm behaviour spreads, so your small efforts can change the mood of the whole group.
Be the first to greet warmly on your next call.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“It is so good to see you.”
“You look well, how have you been?”
“How are you really doing?”
“Take your time, I am here.”
“Thank you for making time for me.”
“I really enjoyed this.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Greet by name
Look at the lens
Smile with your eyes
Ask a real question
Listen without multitasking
Show care in words
Follow up kindly
Further reading
- What Every BODY Is Saying (Joe Navarro)
- The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan and Barbara Pease)
- Presence (Amy Cuddy)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Making Eye Contact”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Look Present on a Long CallNext: Eye Contact Rules Around the World →
- What Eye Contact Really Says
- Why Looking Away Feels Safer
- The Trust Signal in Your Eyes
- How Eye Contact Builds Connection
- What Science Says About Gaze
- Too Little, Too Much, Just Right
- Why It Feels Hard, and Why It Gets Easier
- Begin With the Space Between the Eyebrows
- The Three-Second Rule
- Look at the Eyes, Then the Smile
- Practise With a Mirror First
- Practise With a Pet or a Photo
- Hold a Gaze for One More Second
- Build Up Slowly Day by Day
- Look While Listening, Glance While Thinking
- The Triangle Technique
- Break Eye Contact the Natural Way
- Eye Contact in Groups
- Keep Contact When You Are Talking About Yourself
- Match the Other Person's Comfort
- Use Your Eyes to Show Interest
- The First Hello
- Job Interviews and Eye Contact
- Eye Contact When Saying Sorry
- Eye Contact on a Date
- Hold Your Gaze When Saying No
- Eye Contact When Giving a Speech
- Eye Contact With Someone Senior
- Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
- Set Your Screen Up for Better Contact
- Nod and React on Video
- Avoid the Wandering Eye Online
- Look Present on a Long Call
- Build Warmth Through a Lens
- Eye Contact Rules Around the World
- When Eye Contact Is Hard for Neurodivergent People
- Respect Someone Who Avoids Your Gaze
- Keep It Gentle, Never Intense
- Your Daily Eye Contact Challenge
- Make It a Natural Habit
