Two or three years ago, when most people worked in an in-person setting, defining “executive presence” was a bit simpler. With a focus on body language, appearance, and even that difficult-to-describe concept of charisma, most people could picture or recognize a strong executive presence.

As millions of workers worldwide have moved into hybrid or remote work, however, “executive presence” becomes a more challenging quality to exhibit. Online conferences are a great equalizer, and even someone with a strong in-person presence might seem constrained by the limitations of Zoom, Webex, and other similar platforms.

If your work is now primarily conducted via video conferencing, here are a few ideas to help you develop a presence in the digital world:

How to Develop Executive Presence in a Digital World

1. Remain Visible and Communicative

Use the communication tools you have to stay visible across the company. Communicate via Slack, e-mail, or whatever group communication app you have to share news, wins, progress, inspiration, or whatever the company might need to hear. And don’t limit yourself to one-way communication; comment on other posts, and reply publicly to others in the company. Staying in front of people across the organization will show that you are still hands-on, available, and present.

2. Don’t Neglect Your Appearance

It was a joke in 2020—the idea people were dressed for work from the waist up but wearing pajama pants and slippers from the waist down. As an executive (or aspiring executive), it’s important to remember that the presence your team sees through video is the one they expect in person. Even if they can’t see your pajama pants, they may sense them—you may project a more casual “vibe” or seem a little less “put together.” For your own state of mind and the cues you give off via video conferencing, try to come as close to your in-person attire as you can whenever you need to appear in front of others.

3. Present a Professional Workspace

When you have to appear on video, be sure that the space around you is uncluttered and professional. If you wouldn’t want to invite people into your office in person, don’t invite them in via video. If necessary, use a virtual background —something clean, professional, and generic, or a branded one designed by your marketing team. In addition, pay attention to lighting and audio on your end. If you are shadowed or overlit, or if your microphone is of poor quality, you won’t project the image of a strong leader.

4. Be Sure you Know the Technology You’re Using

Few things will damage your professionalism or presence more than accidentally appearing as a cat onscreen. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the buttons on your meeting platform so that you project an air of competence.

5. Remember to Pause and Listen

Conversations over virtual meeting platforms will necessarily involve pauses and lags simply from technological limitations. When someone else is speaking, be sure to listen with your full attention, and then give a few seconds pause after the speaker finishes to ensure they are done.

The digital world certainly presents challenges to our old ways of interacting, and adapting to this new world will likely take longer than just a year or two. Be patient, and remember that an overall air of openness, stability, and competence across all channels will go a long way toward establishing a strong executive presence.