Watching and listening for cues
- renee21454
- May 19
- 2 min read
The majority of our interactions are now on the phone or on zoom. We rarely meet our clients in person anymore so we are missing that in-person rapport building experience.
This means that you need to get really good at talking on the phone and really good at having conversations on zoom.
Have you ever finished a Zoom call and thought, I have no idea how my clients are feeling right now? Or hung up the phone wondering if your client was happy, confused or frustrated?
The good thing is that just because you’re not in the same room doesn’t mean you can’t read people-you just need to know what cues to look (and listen) for.
Vanessa Van Edwards, author of Cues, explains that nonverbal communication is still happening on Zoom and phone calls—it just shifts from full-body cues to micro-expressions, vocal tone, and timing.
If you can learn how to tune into these cues it can radically change your clients experience with you and most likely increase your retention rate.
Here are 5 remote body language cues that will instantly improve your communication and connection in business:
Voice Tone = Emotion
Is their tone flat, enthusiastic, hesitant? Our voices betray our feelings before our words do. If someone suddenly sounds clipped or quiet, check in—it might signal confusion or disengagement.
Pacing = Engagement
Are they matching your rhythm or lagging behind? People who are interested tend to mirror your pace. A delay could mean they’re distracted or unsure.
Micro-Reactions = True Feelings
On Zoom, watch for brief facial expressions—an eye roll, a flash of confusion, a micro-smile. These flashes are usually honest and unfiltered.
Nods and Verbal Encouragers = Alignment
In person, we nod. On Zoom or phone, people say things like “uh-huh” or “makes sense.” If those disappear? You’ve likely lost them.
Silence = Signal
Don’t fear the pause. If someone goes quiet after a big question or statement, they’re processing. Resist the urge to fill the space. Give them time—it builds trust.
The more present you are, the more you’ll pick up on these cues. Distraction is the biggest barrier to reading people. So close everything, stop typing, lean in, and listen fully.
This week’s challenge:
Pay attention to vocal and facial cues in your next 3 virtual meetings.
Write down what you noticed and how it changed your approach!
RENEE