Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 68; Flight Crew Total 1170; Flight Crew Type 1170
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
While conducting my crew briefing with my mask on this flight; I felt safety was compromised.  I was unable to conduct the briefing in the same manner I had before.  Instead of a collaboration of the crew I felt my brief was a mandate; just a lecture from the boss.  I found it difficult to judge the facial expressions of the crew during my briefing items with their faces covered.  I feel the crew thought the same about me with my mask on.  Several minutes later the lead FA asked me several questions that I went over in that brief that validated my concern that my brief was subpar due to the face mask requirement.  It was as if this crew member was not in attendance for the brief.  I pride myself in my clear and concise briefings as a way to bring the crew together to lay the groundwork for a successful safe flight.  My reflection of my brief after was I would have had just as much success not briefing at all.  I feel the mask; in a briefing situation; degrades safety and why I submit this report.  I am not commenting for or against on any other facet of the face mask policy except for the briefing.
Air carrier Captain reported concerns with wearing masks during pre-flight crew briefings.