Virtual meetings and facial palsy

It has been challenging to adapt to increased use of virtual meeting technology forced by the pandemic. This is true for many people with facial palsy as well as some people without any facial difference. However, it is important to remember that not every person with facial palsy will struggle with virtual meeting technology. This guide is written to explain why difficulties can exist and give some strategies to overcome them.

The facial palsy journey

People may or may not adapt differently depending on where they are on their journey, this includes those:

• born with facial palsy
• living with acquired facial palsy for a long time
• living with acquired facial palsy for a shorter time
• who have had surgery to treat facial palsy which has resulted in further change

Public awareness

Unfortunately, the psychological impact of a facial palsy can be difficult to understand if you have not personally experienced the condition. Friends, family and co-workers are used to seeing the face of the person with facial palsy in animated expression, e.g. how they would appear on video. This is someone they already identify with, but if the individual has spent time avoiding being in photographs and videos, they can struggle to identify with their image on screen during virtual meetings. They may only be used to seeing their unanimated face as seen in a mirror.

Identity

The value of identity is really important in understanding why facial palsy has such a profound effect on people. Our faces are often said to give us our identity and for many this is how we express ourselves. Those born with bilateral and unilateral facial palsy often develop alternative or additional strategies to express themselves. Those born with facial palsy may struggle to identify with their animated expression if they have avoided viewing themselves in this way previously.

For those with acquired facial palsy, they will have spent part of their life identifying with a different face and it is often a struggle to adapt to the changes paralysis brings.

Other people can mistakenly assume struggles with identity are due to vanity, it is much more complicated than that.

Internal struggles

These are examples of some internal struggles that someone with facial palsy may have:

• They may automatically try and arrange their face to make the facial palsy less noticeable on video or in photographs.
• They may try to restrict larger expression such as laughing.
• They may be distracted and not fully relaxed because of concern about their face.
• They may be experiencing some pain from tight muscles or be tired from having to speak for a long time.
• They may have other problems as a result of the facial palsy, e.g. noises may sound too loud, they may have hearing loss, their eye(s) might become very sore after a lot of screen work.

What you should consider before turning the camera off

Some people opt to turn the camera off in virtual meetings. Here are a few reasons you might want to consider leaving it on:

• You may be expected to explain why you are leaving the camera off (not in a Facial Palsy UK Virtual Support Meeting of course).
• People may find it harder to engage with someone who is not visible because they are relying purely on intonation and listening without visual cues.
• There may be people on the call with hearing loss who miss some of what you say if the camera is off.
• People may feel confused about why you have the camera off and this can be distracting.
• It could lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and being excluded if it feels like people are not fully engaging with you.

Tips from those living with facial palsy

• Draw attention to the side without the paralysis, e.g. sit so that light falls more on the non-affected side.
• Put an interesting photo or picture behind you on the non-affected side so it draws attention to that side of your face.
• Make sure your microphone is working properly so people aren’t overly-relying on visual cues.
• Try to relax and have fun because trying to restrict facial expression can make you look less natural.
• Believe in yourself and that people see your personality shining through.
• Bring a pet to the meeting, this can help you feel more relaxed!
• Try to remember that many people who are not used to virtual meetings are being self-critical whether they have facial palsy or not.
• Create a ‘Hints and tips for working with me’ guide, see further reading.

Kirstie’s personal experience of dealing with virtual meetings

Post-work calls resulted in being contacted to ask if I was bored, had trouble with my camera, was annoyed about what they said. I was also early for every call because I wanted to prepare. it made me realise I was sending confusing signals to those who were used to being with me in person every work day.

In these changing times, we are now on video calls with colleagues, clients, family and friends many more times a day.

As a sufferer of facial palsy, I have had to adapt, embrace and accept something that is my worst fear – the camera. Every call takes energy & preparation:

*I sit near a window so the natural light falls on the non paralysed side of my face. It’s deliberate that my face may seem a little blurred not that I am using poor equipment.

*I tilt my head to one side during the call. It’s on purpose to help relax my face, I am not bored.

*I join early to compose, if it pops up I have joined 5 mins before it starts, it’s not my intention to hurry you up.

*I often take off my glasses to detract from the palsy. Makes reading that presentation tricky sometimes.

*I wear heavier make-up to help reduce asymmetry. Not ideal in this heat.

*I avoid smiling as it accentuates the palsy. I am honestly enthusiastic, invested & engaged in what you are telling me.

It’s a new challenge that I embrace. I am resourceful, resilient & adapting to this changing environment & the video call becoming the norm – but it still requires vigorous preparation & brings anxiety

Finally

If you really don’t want to have your camera on, remember that you will be helping the environment by reducing emissions.

Further reading

http://facialdifference.org/6-facial-difference-and-virtual-meeting-technology/

https://www.aboutface.ca/2021/03/01/video-calling-and-facial-differences/

http://facialdifference.org/resources/hints-tips-for-working-with-me-an-example-guide/