One of the best pieces of early career advice I received was from a creative director who told me, “Stand up and own the room.” He said that when you stand up, your body is freer and your voice projects better. Plus, everyone else has to look up to you. I was thinking about that advice as we sit in Zoom meetings and sit when speaking and sit when presenting. We might have the stand-up desk for work when not on camera, but it’s likely lowered for the virtual meetings.
This email is a pre-apology — or an explanation — if you find me standing up in virtual meetings. I’m not trying to own the room. But I do feel I present better when standing. Besides, my watch already told me to stand up 30 minutes ago.
There is a series on Netflix called Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg. Seems to be the exception to the rule.