Practical Tips for Video Conferencing during COVID-19

So many of us are now working from home during C19 that we thought we’d offer some tips to help with those famous video conferences. We hope you enjoy the content and encourage you to reach out with your own suggestions and tips. Article Sponsor: Fence Stain Plano

1.   Plan for the video call.

Make sure your clothes are on! Make a plan on the topics to get discussed on the video call so you can go straight to the point and for the participants to not get distracted or trail off. Make sure the space in which you’re placing yourself during the call is clean and organized and avoid for it to present any potential distractions for the other participants in the call.

• Dress Appropriately

Yes, this is actually a must during video conferencing. This is still work, so keep it professional and stylish. You can’t discuss a business plan while brooding on your PJ’s, you know?

3.   Login five minutes early.

That way you’ll be able to check if the software or platform that you’re employing for the call presents any issues.

4.   Check on the camera and microphone.

Make sure the camera is as close to eye level as possible, so the people seeing you will feel as they would in a face to face conversation. Try the microphone and make sure the audio is as high-quality as possible. (If you have headphones with a mic, then better.)

5.   Mute yourself when you aren’t speaking.

This avoids background noise and feedback from turning into a meeting distraction.

6.   Select the right equipment.

Cellphones might be a better option for video calls than computers. Or vice versa depending on the model and brand, of course. Test what options do you have for making the right choice.

7.   Use chat functions well.

Several video conferencing options have chat functionality that allows partakers to write in comments and questions. Define at the start of the call if the chat will be supervised and guarantee that your chat comments are pertinent, concise and strong.

8.   Order and miscommunication.

Social prompts are harder to perceive and people can end up talking over each other or get the wrong ideas more easily than in an in-person meetings. Many people won’t speak up because they don’t want to talk over anyone else. Try for the virtual meeting to be as organized as it can be, one way to ensure this is to clarify who is responsible for what and explaining the specific goal of the meeting.

9.   Ask the participants.

Confirm that other partakers can see and hear you correctly and check in with your remote contributors every so often if you are running the call. They will appreciate the recognition and you will be better prepared to have a more efficient call with their active input.

10.                 Get Some Knowledge on Microsoft Teams.

Teams is a common platform and phone app that can be used for instant chatting, team messages, and video calls and conferences. It has a lot of features and can be confusing if you have never used it before, so if this is the one you are planning to use for your meeting, then educate yourself the best that you can on it to avoid any mistakes or misfortunes with the different characteristics and functions.

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After you’ve done one or two of these video conference calls you’ll be able to appreciate the example video above modeling the perfect meeting. There’s always opportunity to learn from others. How did we do for you today? Did you enjoy the article? If so, please visit our sponsor for your fence staining plano needs.