Virtually Behaving?

During my delivery of Public Speaking and Train the Trainer courses to live audiences, I always consider points of convergence and divergence with the same events delivered online, usually through the Teams or Zoom platforms. I have created a 28-point check list which has a focus on what you often need to think about before, during and after virtual events. Not all of these will always be applicable for your purposes, but the range is wide enough to cover most activities. If you want a copy of this free word document just e mail me at [email protected]

And I would welcome your comments and/or additions to my 10-point code of conduct which runs alongside learning agreements or ground rules before a virtual course or event gets underway. I am fairly relaxed about dress codes and the visible environments from which people work so have not included any considerations in my code. However, I have witnessed a number of shall we say extraordinary domestic scenes and behaviour that I would never expect in a live event. I will leave that to your imagination! There is a book waiting to be written on that score-fancy being a co-author with me.

Here is my virtual list of 10!

Expected Virtual Behaviour – Ten Key Points

1.?????Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.?

2.?????Attempt collaboration before conflict.?

3.?????Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.?

4.?????Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.?

5.?????During this virtual event or any of its related events no participant should engage in harassment in any form.?

6.?????Do not disrupt the virtual meeting (e.g., “zoom-bombing”) or engage in harm or threats of harm of any kind. Do not create/contribute to a safety threat or unsafe or exclusionary situation.?

7.?????Do not make audio or visual recordings of the Virtual Meeting in any medium—and do not distribute audio or visual recordings of the Virtual Meeting (via social media or any other means). Only the host organisation or its representatives may do so, after warning participants to give them an opportunity to opt out.?

8.?????Do not take or distribute pictures of or copy research posters/presentation materials unless explicit permission is granted.?

9.?????Participants violating these rules may be expelled from the Virtual Event without a refund at the discretion of the host organiser. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

10. Remember that a breach of personal data can occur directly or indirectly. Direct breaches are usually self-evident. However, an indirect breach might come about if you have another person or persons contact details on display. I always use a virtual background or position the laptop against a blank wall or always overcrowded bookshelf!

Reporting any incident:

If you see, overhear, or experience a violation of the Code of Conduct and/or agreed ground rules or learning agreements during a virtual event, and would like to report a violation, please email us at?xxxx?

Get in touch if you want a free copy of the 28 point “before, during and after” virtual checklist mentioned in my first paragraph above.

[email protected]