With offices closing and social distancing enforced, video conferencing has become a valuable communication tool for those working from home. As such, some may have little or no experience working remotely and what the best practices are for video conferencing sessions. Here are some video conference tips and best practices:
1. Know the difference between your personal and professional image. When meeting via camera, the other party probably sees everything from the chest up, including the food in your teeth, your pajamas, and unkempt hair. And unless you use a digital background, they can also see your surroundings, so make sure there’s nothing embarrassing or offensive behind or next to you. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you need to stop making an effort to look presentable.
2. Remember you’re representing your company. Don’t present yourself in a way that will reflect poorly on you or your organization, even if you’re a solo entrepreneur. The best strategy is to dress as if you were meeting the other person face-to-face.
3. Remember that it is not all about you! Video conferences are a two-way street. Don’t monopolize the call with stories drawn from your own life experience unless asked to do so. Don’t be too chatty and overshare; there’s another time for that.
4. Be mindful of cultural differences. Be prepared to adapt your style based on the culture of the other party. Avoid using humor or slang if you are unfamiliar with how the group will receive it. The same can be said for physical gestures, eye contact, and posture.
5. Maintain eye contact and avoid distractions. You must focus on what is being discussed rather than getting distracted by your surroundings or daydreaming about something else entirely!
6. Do not talk over one another. It is highly disrespectful to speak over others or speak out of turn. If you have something to add, say it in the next round or wait for a pause. It may help to pop a message in the video conference’s chatbox expressing that you’d like to share something.
7. Avoid making inside jokes and using inappropriate humor. Inside jokes can alienate those listening remotely who don’t know what’s going on. Remember – not everyone who joins a video conference knows everyone else involved.
8. Maintain Internet etiquette in mind at all times. Think twice before sending private or sensitive data, and never share contact information publicly, such as internal reports/documents or photos of your coworkers.
10. Smile! This can help remind everyone on the call who they are dealing with and result in an overall better impression.
Takeaway
Just because you’re having a meeting in the comfort of your own home, it doesn’t mean you should get too comfortable. As much as possible, prepare and present yourself as if you were having an in-person meeting when you meet people via video conferencing. Let’s talk more about business opportunities to look out for in 2021. Contact us today!
