Video

Video conferencing has become an essential component of the modern business world and helps improve the connectedness of remote team members. Here’s a list of standard etiquette measures to help you navigate through video conferencing:

1. Mute yourself when not speaking.

Even though you may not be speaking and think you’re being quiet, most microphones can pick up minor background noises, like coughs, sneezes, or typing. These sounds can easily distract other video conferencing participants and potentially even cause annoyance. Make it a practice (out of common courtesy to your colleagues) to mute yourself whenever you’re not talking.

2. Be on time.

This one should be standard with any meeting, video or otherwise. However, when you’re dialling into a video conference, it’s especially important. While you might be able to get away with sneaking into a physical meeting late, everything is more visible in a video conference.

3. Ensure your technology works correctly.

You don’t want to have to delay a meeting with an important client because your video conferencing system isn’t working properly. You need to do a few test runs with internal employees before trying to land the next big investor. Find someone willing to help, and make sure you understand the process fully before starting your first video conference. This will make sure everything runs smoothly during the real thing.

4. Choose the proper software and hardware.

Having the right video conferencing hardware is only half the equation. You’ll also need a software solution that your employees can use without frustration or extensive training. If you’re looking for new software, check out our video conferencing comparison guide for reviews, features, and recommendations.

5. Wear work-appropriate clothing.

While it might be tempting to work in your favorite sweatshirt all day, consider wearing professional attire to any video conferences you’re attending. You don’t have to wear anything fancy, but choose something that would be appropriate if the meeting were face-to-face, rather than virtual.

6. Frame the camera correctly.

We’ve all been on video calls where we end up looking up people’s nostrils or seeing the side of their face. When you’re on video, make sure you frame your camera in a way that feels natural and allows you to look at the camera. Sit at eye level to the lens, and try to position yourself so that it shows midsection up. Placing it too high leaves other participants staring down at you like a bad TV show. Putting a camera too low can lead to unflattering and awkward angles.

7. Have the right light.

Poor lighting conditions have an enormous effect on the video quality that you send. You’ll want to make sure that there is enough light in the room you’re in so that your video isn’t grainy and unwatchable. Try to not mix natural lighting and office lighting unless your office bulbs are daylight white. You also don’t want any faces being lit from below, as this makes you look like a cartoonish villain from a silent film. Lighting from the sides will make faces look the best, so try for that if you have the ability.

8. Look into the camera.

A common mistake is looking at the video feed instead of the camera when speaking to a remote participant. While it may seem like the right thing to do, it actually makes it appear as if you’re looking off and not paying attention. This will make you come across as more aloof and less professional. Looking into the camera lens is the equivalent of looking into the person’s eyes, so practice doing so until you’re comfortable with it.

9. Pay attention.

Stop checking emails or working on your PowerPoint presentation during video conferences. Not only does research suggest only 3% of people can multitask effectively, but you also look rude to your participants.

We’ve all been to bad video conferencing meetings. But with new technology, they’re getting better. For even more ways to improve your video conferences, check out these tips to make your video meetings more productive next.

(Info found on https://www.owllabs.com/blog/video-conferencing-etiquette)