In a previous blog we went over the proper etiquette for while you are on the phone with a customer. Now we’re going to expand on the topic of business etiquette with video conferencing.
With technology today we don’t have to be in the room with a group of people to have a conference. We have the ability to connect with multiple individuals from different parts of the world visually if we want. Collaborative communication has never become easier than it has with video conferencing. But like how you act in the office or on a business call, you have an etiquette you should follow while on a video call.
This is where our video conferencing video etiquette tips come into play. Below we provide 5 tips for proper video conferencing etiquette. With these you will be presented as professional and will have a productive video call rather than a waste of time.
Dress like you would at the office.
This isn’t a phone conference call where no one can see you. This is as if you are sitting right next to everyone in the board room. So before you get on, make sure whatever you are wearing is what you would be wearing in the office. At least from the waste up. Conducting a video call in a bathrobe probably isn’t the best idea.
Look at the camera while talking.
A lot of people have the tendency to look at the person on the screen or themselves (get over yourself) while talking during a video call. While looking at the person on the screen feels normal because that is how we talk to someone in person, it doesn’t look good on camera. Try your best to focus on the camera while you are speaking. This gives a better impression to the person watching that you are talking to them.
Be mindful of your environment.
I don’t know how many times I have been on a video or phone call conference and I hear dogs starting to bark. Then followed by the person yelling at the dog to be quite. This is business time and while you are on this call you need to be focused. Conduct your video call where you will not be interrupted. This call shouldn’t take long so if you are at home go into a room where you can be alone for a few minutes.
Adjust to the lighting.
This is a continuation of being mindful of your environment but deserves a bit of focus. Lighting can ruin the picture for the person you are talking to. It also turns you into a silhouette if the lighting source is behind you. Make sure once the call starts that all lighting is coming from in front of you so the other participants have a good visual of you.
Make sure your video and audio components are working.
Finally make sure your camera and microphone is working properly. You can really hinder the productivity and effectiveness of your video conference when these are working improperly. You will make the call twice as long if your camera is lagging or you have to spend time trying to figure out how to make it so they can hear you.
There you have it, 5 simple video conferencing call forms of etiquette to remember before each call. They are very simple but will keep your video conference productive and will allow you to maintain a good image with your fellow colleagues or clients.