Video adds friction that in-person does not have

There is the mute button, the half second of lag, and the awkward moment when two people start talking at once and both stop. For a non-native speaker, that friction can be enough to keep you quiet the whole call.

The good news is that confidence on video is mostly about a few small habits, not better English.

A line for the talk-over moment

“Sorry, I think we talked over each other. Please go ahead.” handles the moment with grace instead of both of you going silent, and it quietly puts you next in line.

“Quick one before we move on” claims your turn before the topic closes.

Three habits that do the rest

Come off mute a moment before you speak, so you do not lose your first word. Say the person's name when you reply to them, which makes you sound engaged and in control.

And when you finish a point, stop cleanly rather than trailing off, so the floor passes smoothly back to the group.