What do you do if your video conferencing experience needs improvement?

Make sure the timings, quality check of tools and connections , background, proper lighting, and comfortable location and obviously your availability and online etiquettes, your content , preparedness, , mindful listening and overall and open and growth mindset for learning and growth and always having room for improvement.

Also, consider your background and surroundings – choose a tidy and neutral backdrop to avoid any potential distractions or unprofessional elements.

Check Your Internet Connection: Speed: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause lag, pixelation, and dropped calls. Use a wired ethernet connection whenever possible for the most stable connection. If WiFi is your only option, ensure you have a strong signal. Many video conferencing platforms recommend minimum upload and download speeds for optimal performance. You can find these recommendations on the platform's website or within the app settings. Run an internet speed test: There are many free internet speed tests available online. This will help you determine your current upload and download speeds and see if they meet the recommended speeds for your video conferencing platform. Test Your Audio and Video:

Just as one prepares for a real physical meeting, one needs to put in the same effort in virtual meetings. Test your computer or phone, whichever would be used for the virtual meeting, test the camera, the speaker to make sure they are all working. Ensure a good internet connection by situating in an area which wouldn’t disrupt the connectivity. Join the conversation 15 or 10 minutes prior to the time and get a quiet environment with no distractions to ensure an effective virtual communication experience.

Be Prepared: Review the agenda and any materials beforehand. This demonstrates your respect for everyone's time and allows you to participate actively. Test Your Tech: Ensure your internet connection, microphone, and camera are functioning properly. A quick test run avoids technical glitches during the call. Join Early: Logging in a few minutes early allows you to address any last-minute technical issues and avoid interrupting the start of the meeting. During the Call: Mind Your Background: Choose a professional and uncluttering background or use a virtual background if available.

Observe and adhere to the recommended guidelines when having video conversations. Be conversant with them like muting oneself after joining, using the chat feature when necessary and paying rapt attention to the conversation. When it’s your turn to speak, make sure your environment is quiet, unmute yourself and speak audibly to ease the process while ensuring a good internet connection.

Muting your mic, turning off the camera when you should, using the chat feature when necessary are some protocols to be followed when video conferencing. Because the medium of communication is not physical, one will be required to be focused, attentive and not interrupt when others are speaking.

In order to keep the audience engaged in a video conference, maintain a strong confident voice, use more visuals and ask questions. Also, allocate time for the audience to share their thoughts and ideas.

Engaging your audience is very important because it makes the virtual process feel realistic and more interesting. It also makes then audience feel involved and more active

Stay Engaged During Calls: Active Participation: Don't be passive! Take notes, ask questions, and actively contribute to the discussion. This keeps your mind engaged and prevents mental fatigue. Short Breaks: If a call is particularly long, request short breaks (5-10 minutes) at regular intervals. Get up, move around, stretch, or grab a quick snack to refresh your mind and body. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Consider using the Pomodoro Technique. Work in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This approach can help you maintain concentration during video calls.