Does poor internet quality cause louder talking in meetings?

Question

Accepted Answer

Poor internet quality is linked to louder talking in online meetings.

A study by cognitive scientists in the Netherlands found that as the video quality of an online meeting deteriorates, participants tend to speak louder to compensate. This behaviour mirrors tactics used in real-world noisy environments, where individuals often raise their voices and use gestures to ensure they are heard. The research suggests a direct correlation between declining video performance and an increase in vocal volume during virtual interactions.
Deteriorating Video Quality Leads to Increased Volume

Researchers observed that when the video quality during online calls gradually worsened, participants began speaking more loudly. This phenomenon was investigated by organizing video calls with approximately 40 participants who engaged in informal conversations. As the visual feed became progressively blurrier, the study documented an escalation in participants' vocal amplitude.
Gestures Remain Consistent Despite Poor Video

The study also noted that participants continued to use gestures to support their speech, even when the video quality became extremely poor. This indicates that people do not abandon non-verbal communication cues, such as hand movements, when visual clarity is compromised. These gestures are employed similarly to how they are used in phone conversations, where visual cues are absent but communicative actions persist.
Real-World Analogies for Online Behaviour

The findings suggest that the strategies people employ to communicate effectively in online meetings are consistent with those used in noisy, real-world settings. Just as individuals in a loud environment might speak louder and gesture more, participants in a video call with poor quality exhibit similar compensatory behaviours. This highlights an adaptive communication strategy that transcends the medium.
Reciprocal Link Between Speech and Gestures

The research underscores the close, reciprocal relationship between speech and gestures in communication. The study's first author, James Trujillo, indicated that gestures are not abandoned even when video quality is poor, suggesting their integral role alongside vocalisation. Further investigation into speech behaviour, Trujillo stated, should incorporate gestures to provide a more complete understanding of communicative dynamics.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Does poor internet quality cause louder talking in meetings?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends