[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Header: Face to Face Meetings” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Face to Face Meetings” subhead=”an experience which virtual events can never replace” text_orientation=”center” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%2%%” scroll_down_icon_color=”#ffffff” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.46)” admin_label=”Title: Face to Face” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ title_line_height=”1.3em” subhead_font_size=”30px” subhead_letter_spacing=”4px” subhead_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”#414042″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/face-to-face.jpg” parallax=”on” z_index_tablet=”500″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”content” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”75px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro 1″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n
The COVID-19 pandemic has got us all rethinking the way we do business. From no longer needing expensive office space (replaced by the home office) to conducting important business meetings via video conferencing technology. One thing we\u2019ve seen here at Gray Dawes Events is our staff\u2019s ability to get to grips with new technologies with very little training and we are hearing the same from our clients. With this\u00a0apparently seamless adaption, everyone is asking, \u201cDo we still need to face meetings?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Spoiler alert\u2026 the answer is YES!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro 2″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Body language alone forms an essential part of the overall communication process. We interpret the way people hold themselves and we act on specific non-verbal cues which allows us to react to certain situations. \u00a0You can\u2019t always achieve that via online meetings. <\/strong><\/p>\n Face-to-face communication is possible through video conference calls, but we believe that non-verbal communication extends to more than just facial expression; it spans all the senses.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ admin_label=”centre divider” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Body Movement & Posture” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Movement and Posture” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Whether we\u2019re doing it consciously or subconsciously, our perception of people is influenced by how they carry themselves. None more so than during a meeting, in which we\u2019re either trying to engage with them to influence a decision or impart information to affect their behaviour. While most people act how they would while at work, many people may alter the way they hold themselves at home via video conference compared to a formal meeting room setting. When working from home there are many external factors, such as children and pets, that may distract or influence a person\u2019s posture or demeanour.<\/p>\n Virtual meetings mean that participants have a limited number of non-verbal cues compared to when conducting a meeting in person. For example, someone entering a room and greeting you or important body language such as the position they adopt when facing you.<\/p>\n This difference in setting can lead to participants missing out on the opportunity to build rapport, create relationships or resolve potential issues as a result of not having regular interpersonal communication.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Gestures” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Gestures” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Using our hands to support verbal communication forms an undeniable part of our day-to-day lives. We express ourselves through many gestures such as pointing, waving, a shrug of the shoulders and simply being animated while speaking.<\/p>\n Communicating through a screen can block some hand gestures which may otherwise be observed. When important hand gestures are missed, due to screen sizes, it can lead to people interpreting what you\u2019re saying, and intending, quite differently.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Eye Contact” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Eye Contact” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Making or maintaining eye contact during a group virtual meeting or conference is challenging, if not impossible. Some participants may not enable video while otherwise may be working, writing an email or looking down while listening to a speaker. There are many reasons why eye contact through a screen does not come naturally to most of us, yet this visual sense is one of the most essential non-verbal communications we use.<\/p>\n The way in which we look at people relays important non-verbal cues such as respect, dismissal, affection and even disdain. These are all critical communication factors during important business meetings. Many have experienced eye contact as the difference between continuous flow of conversation or a one-sided monologue, without the ability to understand the audience\u2019s response accurately.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Voice” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Voice” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n We use our voices to deliver our verbal messages, of course. But how we use our voices can be a powerful tool for emphasising meaning. Tone of voice can deliver sarcasm, humour or earnestness in our words. Virtual meetings sometime hinder the tone of voice, inflexion and intonation due to the various technical elements at play. These can be anything from poor microphones and speakers to a bad Wi-Fi signal and even, in some cases, background noises from children and pets.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re trying to negotiate a deal or command the meeting, just imagine how difficult this is if your audience only hears every other word, thanks to poor broadband or a barking dog.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Space” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Space” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n A person conveys information by the amount of space they occupy during a conversation. When someone enters our personal space to communicate a verbal message, we instinctively experience a range of emotions. We can feel intimidated when an assertive person comes too close, for example. Equally, we feel relaxed and supported when both parties occupy an equal amount of space.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Touch” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Touch” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Although touching is not something we can actively engage in during the current COVID-19 pandemic, it delivers essential non-verbal cues during the communication process. These non-verbal messages can include anything from a formal handshake to an affectionate hug. It defines roles, influences perception and determines our perceptiveness to specific messages and signals. In simple terms, it tells us where we stand.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ admin_label=”centre divider” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Outro & CTA” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/face-to-face-meeting.jpg” alt=”face to face meeting” title_text=”Businessman Discussing With Male Colleague” admin_label=”image – men in meeting” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Gray-Dawes-Events-Website-Logo.png” title_text=”Gray Dawes Events Website Logo” url=”https:\/\/gd.events” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”image – EVENTS logo” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″]<\/p>\n Reports show that non-verbal communication can form as much as 93% of all communication. Communicating via virtual channels such a Zoom and Microsoft Teams can mean that many of those messages get lost. We must maintain face-to-face meetings to communicate effectively but appreciate that virtual meetings will continue to have a large role to play in the future.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”CTA button” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_cta title=”put the personal back in to business” button_url=”https:\/\/gd.events” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit Gray Dawes Events” admin_label=”Call to Action” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#e83851″ button_border_radius=”10px” button_alignment=”center” animation_style=”zoom” box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”full width divider” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”60px|||||” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”sign off and cta” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”75px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Traveller-Toolkit-Original-Image.jpg” url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit the TRAVELLER TOOLKIT” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: Traveller Toolkit” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%126%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”text CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we\u2019ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit<\/strong><\/a>. This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips<\/a><\/strong>, which walk you through each step of\u00a0 being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.<\/p>\n Travel is changing. But with common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers should have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It\u2019ll soon be business<\/strong><\/em><\/a> as (un)usual.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”-50px||100px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ min_height=”68px” custom_margin=”50px||0px||false|false”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_button button_url=”\/back-to-business\/” button_text=”back to Back to Business… Travel” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: back to Working From Home” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%23%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” button_icon_placement=”left” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_color=”#414042″ background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Train-Doors-Open-Start-Your-Journey.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_module=”1383″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Footer Row” module_id=”footer” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1800ms” z_index_tablet=”500″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”rgba(65,64,66,0.75)” custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n START YOUR NEW\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texts” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”|||on|” header_4_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us” button_text=”GET IN TOUCH” module_id=”get_in_touch_button_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_icon_color=”#5b8cb1″ transform_scale=”98%|98%” transform_translate=”-1px|8px” background_layout=”dark” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”#414042″ custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEAD OFFICE” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%249%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” _builder_version=”3.21.1″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\n 27 Middleborough<\/span><\/p>\n Colchester, CO1 1TG<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”CALL US” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%264%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” module_id=”call_us_phone_cta_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_delay=”100ms” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\nBody Movement and Posture<\/h3>\n
Gestures<\/h3>\n
Eye Contact<\/h3>\n
Voice<\/h3>\n
Space<\/h3>\n
Touch<\/h3>\n
JOURNEY NOW …\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE<\/span><\/h3>\n