Reclaiming Emotion in Virtual Meetings: Why the Amygdala Matters

Virtual meetings have become the norm. Like them or not, they’re here to stay. Whether it’s Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, we’ve all adjusted to this new standard. COVID-19 may have forced us to adopt this streamlined, distraction-free meeting format, but we still live in a world full of distractions. These virtual meetings have features that mute our senses to engage and grab our attention.

Enter the amygdala.

The amygdala, a small almond-shaped mass deep within each cerebral hemisphere, governs our emotional responses and helps form memories, especially those tied to emotionally charged experiences. Traditionally, this part of the brain lights up during in-person gatherings, family events, or lively conversations. In the virtual realm, however, the amygdala is barely activated, reduced mostly to what we can hear.

Mute buttons and turned-off cameras limit our sensory input. We can’t be seen or heard unless we choose to be. And let’s face it, our virtual meetings are limited to sight and hearing, because our virtual platforms will not transmit smell or physical presence anytime soon. Without engaging the amygdala, virtual meetings lose emotional depth. When that happens, we struggle to retain responsibilities, recall key points, or feel compelled to act because we’re not activating the emotions that help drive memory, urgency, or connection.

Engagement Isn’t Just Technical—It’s Emotional

Virtual meetings need emotional stimulation to lead to action. Engagement, especially through sight, sound, and dynamic interactions, helps activate the amygdala, encouraging commitment and passion. We must shift virtual meetings from passive and rigid to active and emotionally resonant. We expect ownership, alignment, and drive to come from all meetings. 

But let’s be clear, stimulating the amygdala isn't about making people comfortable or removing all tension. It's about creating emotionally memorable conversations. It is about creating moments that spark ideas, challenge perspectives, and foster collaboration. When the amygdala is engaged, people show up more fully, more human. We create a virtual oak conference room table with chairs fastened by electrons, along with attendees driven to solve a real problem.

"There should be no such thing as a happy meeting." Chris Bean

In African cultures and communities, background noise isn't a distraction—it’s life. It’s a sign of connection, shared space, and presence. Activate your amygdala by unmuting your microphone. Turn on your camera and be present. Doing so reminds us that behind the 21" monitor is a home, a world, a human being.