9 dos and don'ts of video conferencing etiquette

9 Dos and Don’ts of Video Conferencing Etiquette

4 DOS

1. Simulate Eye Contact

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Boardroom Users:

Adjust the layout of your room if possible, to optimally

place cameras in close proximity to screens.

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Desktop/Laptop Users:

Drag the video window to

the top of your computer

screen right underneath

your webcam.

Now your eyes are looking

just below the webcam and

simulating eye contact!

Hi!

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2. Polish Your Image

Use the picture-in-picture “near side” or ‘self-view’

function to see how your office (or your bedroom) will

appear to those on the far end.

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1) Catch all participants at an acceptable angle

(not tilted too severely high or low)

2) Fill the screen with the participants in the center of

the screen rather than with the background such as the

table, chairs, wall, lights, or the floor.

Adjust your camera:

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3) Set a professional scene.

Arrange a simple, clear, uncluttered static background

whether you’re at home or in an open office area.

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3. Remain Attentive

People tend to be observed as less attentive in a virtual

encounter. Even jokes are about 30 percent less funny

while videoconferencing! 9

Stay awake

Don’t slouch

Remember to show

facial feedback to

your presenter with a

smile or a nod.

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4. Recognize Alternate

‘Video Conferencing Personas’

The Close

Watcher

The Poker

Face

The Worrier The Babbler

If you

recognize

them, you

can better

manage

them.

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5 DON'TS

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1. Don’t pick up the microphone or move it around

on the table in your video conference.

Most video conferencing microphones are extremely

sensitive to sounds and are effective up to about 7 feet.

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2. Don't adjust your camera or webcam too often

during a video conference session.

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3. Don't leave any embarrassing web pages on display

and close all non-relevant windows and

applications before connecting.

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4. Don’t show

anxiety or impatience

Such small emotions can be amplified under a camera

and may affect your meeting atmosphere!

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Don’t easily get

annoyed by the

technical issues that

could occur such as

inherent audio lag.

Expect a few seconds’

delay and ask for

internal or external

technical help needed.

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5. Don’t forget the video

camera's powerful reach.

Body language and facial expression makes a

difference.

Minor behaviors and gestures sometimes seem

exaggerated on camera, and can be difficult to be

ignored on a screen.

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Don’t talk to people next to you excessively or in an

overly animated manner while a speaker is presenting

from another location - even with a muted microphone!

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Raise your hand if you want to interrupt and start with

an “Excuse me” or “Question…”.

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Avoid culturally sensitive gestures. This is especially

important when you have a multipoint conference with

participants from different cultures around the globe.

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Use proper video

collaboration etiquette,

be prepared,

be respectful,

and be yourself.

Happy Collaborating!

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Resources: 1. Video Collaboration Best Practices: telemerge.ca/bestpractices

2. 2 Checklists to Ensure Smooth Sailing in Your Next Video

Conference [blog post]

3. 11 Rules of Etiquette [downloadable guide]

4. Video Conferencing Setup & Etiquette [eBook]

5. Do You Recognize These Video Conferencing Personalities?

[blog post]

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Telemerge offers all-in-one video collaboration that is easy to use for everyone, anywhere, at any time. Regardless of the endpoint, people can connect via the cloud without the need for expensive video conferencing infrastructure , complicated configurations, or test runs. Communication at it’s simplest, where and when you need it.

www.telemerge.ca

Learn More about All-in-One Video Collaboration:

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