Meeting in person vs virtual may bring about thoughts of, “THIS MEETING COULD HAVE BEEN A PHONE CALL!” or “Why can’t this just be a Zoom?!”
Yeah, we know, and we get it. In-person meetings can be a tremendous time and energy suck, but sometimes making the trek to see someone face to face is truly worth it.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of meeting in person vs virtual. We will explore the nuances of human connection in both realms and examine how technology has shaped our social interactions, so you can make the most informed decision possible on whether that meeting on your calendar should have a Zoom link or a physical address.
The Case for Meeting in Person
#1 In Person Meetings Are More Engaging
When deciding whether to have an in person vs virtual meeting, you may want to consider that -shocker – in person meeting attendees are more engaged.
This according to Yale researchers who studied brain activity during in person vs virtual meetings.
In the lab where 28 subjects participated, there were no distractions like children or pets.
The research showed that in person interaction gave us richer social context and better processing of facial expressions than virtual interaction.
#2 Authenticity and Emotional Connection
There’s no denying the power of face-to-face interaction when it comes to fostering authentic connections. Meeting in person allows us to pick up on subtle cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all of which play a crucial role in effective communication.
These cues help us gauge the emotional state of the person we’re interacting with and build a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings.
#3 Building Trust and Rapport
Meeting in person provides an opportunity to build trust and rapport in a way that online communication simply cannot replicate.
Sharing physical space with someone allows for spontaneous moments of connection, whether it’s through a shared laugh, a comforting touch, or an empathetic gesture. These moments help solidify bonds and create lasting impressions that are hard to achieve through digital channels alone.
#4 Enhanced Collaboration and Creativity
Facilitating collaboration and spurring creativity can thrive when you are sitting side by side.
Being in the same physical space allows for more dynamic brainstorming sessions, real-time problem-solving, and seamless communication among team members.
The energy and synergy that arise from in-person interactions often lead to more innovative ideas and productive outcomes.
#5 In Person vs Virtual: Strengthening Relationships
When it comes to maintaining relationships, meeting in person can be invaluable. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, spending quality time with family, or nurturing romantic connections, face-to-face interactions help strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Shared experiences, such as traveling together, attending events, or simply enjoying a meal, can deepen relationships in ways that virtual communication cannot replicate.
#6 Technical Difficulties: In Person vs Virtual
One of the primary frustrations of online meetings is the prevalence of technical difficulties. You know the drill: “Claudia, can you hear me?” or “Olivia, you’re on mute!”
From poor internet connections to audio glitches and software malfunctions, these issues can disrupt the flow of communication and derail productive discussions. Despite advancements in technology, there’s still no guarantee of seamless virtual interactions.
Meeting in person eliminates the uncertainty of technical glitches. Participants can engage in uninterrupted conversations without worrying about frozen screens or dropped calls. This reliability fosters a sense of trust and allows for more efficient collaboration, ultimately saving time and frustration.
#7 Ease of Discussing Complicated Topics
Complex topics often require nuanced discussions that can be challenging to convey effectively online. Non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions play a crucial role in communication, providing context and enhancing understanding.
Unfortunately, these subtleties are often lost in virtual settings, making it difficult to fully grasp the intricacies of a conversation.
Meeting in person enables participants to engage more deeply with complex topics. Face-to-face interactions facilitate real-time feedback and encourage open dialogue, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of ideas.
The ability to read body language and gauge reactions enhances communication, leading to more productive outcomes.
#8 Stronger Networking Opportunities
Networking is an essential aspect of professional growth, providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement. While online platforms offer networking capabilities, they often lack the personal touch that comes with face-to-face interactions.
In-person meetings create a more immersive networking experience, allowing individuals to establish genuine connections.
If you meet a new colleague in person, you can talk about shared experiences like having been at this venue before, why you like to drink this particular tea, etc. Virtual settings don’t typically encourage these types of conversations.
Shared experiences, such as coffee meetings or networking events, foster camaraderie and trust, paving the way for meaningful relationships. These personal connections can lead to valuable professional opportunities and enhance one’s professional network.
#9 Minimization of Distractions
Online meetings are susceptible to a myriad of distractions, ranging from email notifications to household interruptions. The temptation to multitask can diminish focus and detract from the quality of interaction, leading to less productive meetings.
Meeting in person minimizes distractions and fosters a more focused environment. Participants are fully present, allowing for deeper engagement and more meaningful discussions. Without the constant allure of digital distractions, meetings can proceed more efficiently, leading to better outcomes.
#10 Stronger Relationship Building
Building genuine relationships is essential in both personal and professional settings. While online interactions can facilitate initial connections, they often lack the depth and authenticity of face-to-face encounters.
Meeting in person offers a unique opportunity to build stronger relationships. Shared experiences, such as laughter over a meal or a casual conversation during a break, create bonds that transcend the professional realm. These connections lay the foundation for trust and collaboration, leading to more fruitful partnerships in the long run.
In Person vs Virtual: What Now?
In person vs virtual does not have to be a blanket either/or.
Rather than viewing these two modes of communication as mutually exclusive, we should strive to strike a balance that leverages the strengths of each approach.
By blending the best aspects of meeting in person and online communication, we can cultivate meaningful relationships, foster creativity, and bridge the gap between physical and virtual worlds.
Maybe you have an initial meeting with a colleague in person, then follow up with virtual meetings.
Whether we choose to meet in person or connect online depends on each unique situation.
