With more companies moving to remote locations, there are ways to be more efficient and effective on conference calls.
Update: Since the article was initially published in 2017, the coronavirus epidemic has made videoconferencing an essential tool to keep businesses operating. The story first ran in 2017. However, the advice remains as pertinent as ever.
Here are 10 must-haves and don’ts that can improve a video conference experience.
Shut down your microphone when you’re not talking, even if you’re within the space. Background noise can be a distraction that can disrupt a gathering’s energy.
Be aware of your settings for video. Verify that your microphone is off before giving a monologue of two minutes which no one can listen to.
Do not position your camera to be low, high or hooked up to another monitor. Strange camera angles can be highly disorienting and unpleasant while on video calls. Be sure that the camera is at eye level and is on the screen that you are planning to use to host the conference.
Ensure that your space is well-lit (side lighting is ideal). Few things are more frustrating than having a professional gathering with the feeling of talking to someone from the dark dungeon. Use natural light from windows, or switch on the overhead light inside the room to brighten and brighten the room.
Do: Dress professionally. It’s tempting — particularly when you work from home to dress in a business shirt and shorts, but dress as if you’re people face to face. You never know when you’ll have to be up in a hurry or your camera will be thrown off. Therefore, dress in clean, professional attire for your video calls.
Your wall art or decorations should be functional and your surroundings tidy. If your space looks like a dorm in college after a bender, you need to clean it up or locate a new area. Also, your desk! Beware of having multiple coffee cups or dishes on your desk.
Test your microphone before making a video conference, mainly when it’s an important conference. Make sure you test it by videoconferencing with your coworker before the meeting. Nothing is more embarrassing than sharing an essential item but not being able to communicate clearly because your audio clarity and volume are low.
What to do: When you’re in a group meeting without using video, you should introduce yourself before you speak. Think about the following “Hi, Jim; I have a question.” While various programs will inform you who’s speaking, conference line numbers need to be. Therefore, you must be courteous as you introduce yourself.
Do not: Read or check emails or browse articles while on the video call. Also, don’t do any other tasks outside of the ring. It’s simple for other participants to determine if you’re 100% engaged and attentive during the video conference.
So while talking with someone else, look directly into the camera instead of staring at your or the computer screen. This will make others feel as if you’re wholly active and present.
It’s crucial to remember that these video conference sessions are fundamentally personal interactions that allow companies to communicate more efficiently.
