Essential Tips for Online Video Conferencing

An online video conference sounds easy. You switch on your laptop and click on the virtual meeting app to start the webcam. But this remoteness and the ease of technology to connect all of us can make you oblivious to the little dos and don’ts behind meeting your colleagues on the screen.
You might struggle with the technology or the ambiance of your home. So, preparation for the meeting is just as important. Then, once you are in the meeting, your manner will be the key to elevate your presence.
In essence, online video conferences are a part of our lives now. Hate them or like them, you have to deal with them. Why not use the cheat sheet below to make the best of these video meetings?
FREE DOWNLOAD: This cheat sheet is available as a downloadable PDF from our distribution partner, TradePub. You will have to complete a short form to access it for the first time only. Download Online Video Conferencing Essentials .
Online Video Conferencing Essentials

Preparation

Heed the Dress Code
Treat an online meeting like an in-person meeting and follow workplace standards.

Take care of your grooming before you sit down for the meeting.

Project a professional face as it adds a sense of normalcy to a remote conversation.

Avoid distracting colors that are too bright or too dark. It can throw off some webcams that auto-adjust exposure and brightness.

Face the camera with a good posture.

Set Up Your Equipment
Choose a comfortable chair to sit on.

Use a monitor that lets you see slides and spreadsheets easily. (A smartphone screen is good for a casual meeting but not for viewing data.)

Invest in a good noise-canceling headset.

Familiarize yourself with the chat software you have to use. Pay special attention to settings you might need during the meeting.

Avoid backlighting as it can obscure your face. Natural light or overhead lights are ideal.

Nothing is as important as good bandwidth. Anything less than 20MBPS can pixelate your video.

If the meeting is critical, keep an alternate connection ready. For instance, you can set up an independent WiFi hotspot.

Close unnecessary background applications and stop simultaneous streaming programs in your browser.

Place your webcam at eye level so that you can make eye contact with others in your team.

Be your own tech support or test your equipment with a colleague a few minutes before the real meeting.

Switch on your webcam and preview the frame and the effect of light indoors. More light is better.

Disable notifications for the course of the meeting.

If you plan to share your screen, be sure to keep personal data out of the way.

Spruce Up Your Environment
Mute your mobile phone to avoid interruptions.

Clean up your room and desk....