8 Tips for Video Conferencing Like a Pro
We’ve all been forced to learn how to video conference during 2020. As lockdowns continue and covid spikes once again - this tool is most likely to see wide use going into 2021 still. We still work out of our offices at Dogwood, but if possible, we've moved meetings to being online.
We started off using Zoom for client meetings and Slack internally, but later switched to Google Meet for everything. It's included with our Goole Workplace membership and has proven to be pretty reliable - and economical for our needs.
During this time, we've put together some tips for video conferencing that we use ourselves. My hope is that these 8 tips will help you look your best on camera and give you the professional look you are looking for.
- Go wired if possible. We have a great wifi signal in our office, but a wired connection is always better and more reliable. One less thing to go wrong when you are wired in.
- If you are using your phone – shoot it wide/horizontal, not long. People will be watching your meeting primarily on a TV or computer screen. Think lengthwise if you are shooting for a one-on-one face time call, widthwise for everything else.
- Don’t shoot your video against an open window or any other light source that is brighter than the lights in your room. You’ll look like a dark shadow!
- Don’t place your camera lower than level with your eyes. Imagine if your camera is below your eye level – everyone watching at home we’ll know how clean your nose is really fast! Also, those chins…find some books and prop that computer up.
- Shoot in a comfortable, yet professional location. It’s not a contest for the best background…it’s all about being relational and having a conversation.
- Remove distractions from the background – anything moving, the Golden Toilet Seat Award from kids camp, a poorly placed plant that seems to be growing out of your head – anything people might find more interesting than what you are saying.
- Remove audio distractions. Kick the dog out, lock the door and place an “In a Meeting” sign on it so people won’t knock. Remember to silence your phone!
- If you use your phone, make sure it is stationary so that all of us watching don’t experience motion sickness! An inexpensive tripod or assortment of household items can be used to help.
You may already be using all 8 of these tips but I’ve been on a lot of video calls in the past year and can guarantee that not everyone is.
Make a checklist as you get set up and take these online meetings just as seriously as if you were meeting someone in person. Take a shower. Brush your teeth. Get dressed. No, like fully dressed.
See you in the next meeting!