As we continue to battle COVID-19, or coronavirus, around the world, many companies are still having their employees work remotely. This has called for an extreme increase of the use of online video conferencing platforms to have business meetings and conferences, team collaboration or to simply get some social interaction with your coworkers.
While we are extremely fortunate to have this accessible to us as we work from the comfort of our own homes, it is important to continue to present a professional front for your employers and clients.
We have compiled a list of important tips for video conferencing at work:
- Be on time. You should be as punctual as you would for an in-person meeting!
- Ensure your technology and internet connection are working properly before you take the call. You don’t want to be disconnected mid-meeting or miss that important deadline!
- Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking even if you’re alone – any sudden noises could ruin a meetings rhythm.
- Check your online settings. If your microphone is muted before delivering a two-minute monologue, no one would hear your amazing ideas!
- Make sure your room is well lit so the other participants can see you properly. Natural light is recommended from windows.
- Dress as if you were headed into the office and wear work appropriate clothing. Don’t let the temptation of being able to work in your PJs take over, you never know if you might have to get up during the call!
- When you're talking, look directly into the camera instead of looking at yourself talking on the computer screen. This will make it hit home that you are engaged, confident and present.
- Organize and clean your surroundings beforehand. Make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach. Your surroundings, including all decorations, should be appropriate and clean. Having a messy desk or room is not very professional!
- Make sure your camera placement is set at a correct angle, not too high and not too low.
- If you find yourself in a large video call, it may be a good idea to state your name before you input your ideas. This notifies others as to who is speaking and gives you the spotlight to say what you need to without others talking over you.
- Pay attention! Don’t check emails, read articles or continue to do work while on the video call. It would be clear to others on that call if you are not fully focused and you could be caught off guard or miss something important.
- Take caution to what you are sharing on your screen. Clear your tabs or browser history so you are not faced with any embarrassing situations.
- Try to make sure you do not have a distracting background, including other people or animals, but don’t stress if it’s not possible. We are all trying to get through this together – don’t be afraid to explain your personal situation, or even introduce your children or animals to the other participants if the time is right! Everybody will understand.
Video conferences should be taken as seriously as in-person interactions! We hope these tips help you navigate our new normal through these trying times.