Video Conference Etiquette: Use These 8 Tips to Avoid Getting Fired for Improper Conduct
It may be hard to believe, but improper video conference etiquette can get you fired. According to Korn Ferry,?24% of executives?admit to their firm firing staffers for virtual meeting errors.?Yikes!
By now, most of us can agree that?remote work is here to stay. Whether you’re working entirely from home or adopted a hybrid model, mastering the rules for video conferencing is essential.
Here are our 8 best video conferencing tips and tricks to help you keep your job and crush those virtual calls.
8 Video Conference Tips and Tricks
75% of CEOs?believe that video conference calls will replace audio-only ones in the future.?You can put your best foot forward on these calls by preparing for them in advance and presenting your best self. Here are 8 ways to do that.
Tip 1: Use the Right Video Conferencing Technology
The right video conferencing technology can be the difference between a laggy, choppy video call and one that operates smoothly. Your technology should include hardware and software.
Your?hardware?package should include a reliable camera, microphone, and possibly even artificial lighting. While many people opt for their computer’s built-in camera and mic, upgrading can significantly improve your calls. Here’s a?list?of some of the best webcams and microphones, according to MSN.
Your?software?tech stack is essential. It needs to include a straightforward video call software that enables group calls, screen sharing, messaging, and more. This video conferencing software could be?Zoom, Cisco’s?Webex,?Microsoft Teams,?Google Meet, or something else. According to?Forbes Insight, 62% of businesses use three or more video conference platforms, so feel free to mix and match.
Many of these tools allow for dial-in options for those unable to join by video, but this should be a last resort. To maintain the feel of face-to-face meetings, turning your video on is seen as a common courtesy.
Tip 2: Triple Check Your Video Conferencing Technology Works
Even the best hardware or software has problems. Well before your video calls, make sure to check, and check again, that all video conferencing equipment is working. Test your camera, mic, lighting, and calling software.?
Don’t schedule this in a few minutes before your call. Instead, give yourself plenty of buffer time in case problems arise — plan?to do an equipment and software check at least one hour before call time.
Here are some tips to help ensure your tech works:
Tip 3: Arrive on Time
Video meetings shouldn’t differ significantly from traditional meetings. Excellent video conference etiquette means?showing up on time and prepared.?
If you absolutely can’t avoid being late to a meeting,?tell the call leader ahead of time, so they aren’t holding up the conference waiting for you to arrive. Many video calls get held up to “give people a few more minutes” to arrive — you don’t want to be the reason for that.
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Tip 4: Mute Yourself When You Aren’t Speaking
Especially if you’re joining a video conference from a noisy environment, mute your mic whenever you aren’t speaking. According to Owl Lab’s 2020 State of Remote Work?report,?interruptions and being talked over pose two of the most significant meeting challenges?for remote and in-person employees.
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One of the best ways to prevent these two common challenges is to?mute your mic when you aren’t speaking. Doing so also prevents background noises, such as pets, children, or nearby ambulance sirens, from disrupting whoever’s speaking.
And, more selfishly, muted mics help prevent you from accidentally saying something private while everyone can hear you.
Tip 5: Be Ready for Your On-Screen Appearances
Many of us choose to work in comfortable and informal clothing when at home. We may also skip some parts of our “beautification” routine, such as hair brushing. However,?when it’s time for you to hop on a virtual call, video conferencing etiquette 101 means doing your best to look presentable.
Part of the ground rules for video conferencing include?treating virtual meetings as you would in-person ones; thus, present yourself accordingly!
Tip 6: How’s Your Background?
Cluttered backgrounds can distract from what you’re saying. You have two options when it comes to backgrounds:
Tip 7: Find Somewhere Quiet?
Kids screaming, dogs barking, or people buzzing are all extremely distracting when people are trying to listen to you talk. Video conferencing etiquette means that, where possible, you’ll want to?attend meetings from a quiet space.?
If you’re logging on from a designated room,?shut the windows and close the doors?to minimize noise.
Tip 8: Look Into the Camera
It’s sometimes tempting to look at your face or the faces of others on screen when you’re talking, but proper?video conference etiquette means looking into the camera. This gives listeners the illusion of eye contact because you’re staring directly into the lens.?
Additionally, if you’re joining the video call from somewhere distracting,?do your best to avoid breaking eye contact to look at your surroundings. This is one of many reasons why taking your call from a quiet, distraction-free zone is essential.
Final Word
Video conferencing is here to stay, with?78% of corporate businesses?using video software for team meetings. Use these 8 tips for better video conference etiquette to make the best impression possible.?
It’s little effort on your end to abide by the best rules for video conferencing, but doing so leaves a lasting impact.
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2 年Certainly all of us have experienced some or other virtual meeting disaster, particularly since many companies went remote Jon Jennings. Great checklist.
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2 年Getting comfortable with video has been a goal of our team since Covid began. Great suggestions Jon Jennings
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2 年Excellent collections of tips Jon Jennings. I find these tips are more well known and understood since the migration of communication to the zoom platform. Taking this into the conference rooms should be easy for companies.
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2 年So many people need to be reminded of these. Thanks for sharing, Jon!
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2 年Great checklist. I host leadership summits, most of them i follow but still need to work on some.