Every knowledge worker has had many experiences of face-to-face
interactions, which are predominantly driven by how well each person can
express himself or herself or how well a person knows the subject being
discussed. But in virtual interaction there are other factors that can limit
participation, which can be driven by the technology and system. For example,
in most teleconferences, the technology and system decide when and how a
member can make a contribution or pose a question. In virtual interaction,
one has to deal with the fact that participants are usually visible only when
they are making a contribution. The facial reaction or body language of the
other participants listening may not be visible at all times.