Team meetings are looking a lot different amid the coronavirus pandemic, and whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or it’s your first time working from home, everyone can use a refresher on video conferencing etiquette. With disastrous virtual meetings going viral left and right, now’s as good a time as any! Here are the do’s and don’ts of virtual meetings that will help you navigate this new normal.
Do’s:
Test Your Internet Connection Beforehand
Testing out your Internet connection before your meeting is set to take place will minimize malfunctions and prevent your video conference from coming to an abrupt halt. Make sure that your Internet speeds are fast enough and that your microphone, speakers, and headphones are all in working order. Most video conferencing apps have tools to help you do this, so you might as well put them to use before you meet with an important client!
Wear Work-Appropriate Clothing
We’ve all gotten used to lazing around in loungewear over the past few months, but wearing professional attire when attending video conferences is still a best practice. Dressing to the nines from top to bottom isn’t necessary – as long as you adhere to your company’s dress code from the waist up you should be good to go!
Prioritize Proper Camera Positioning
The last thing you want when you’re participating in a serious work meeting is to have everyone looking up your nose the entire time! Proper camera positioning is a key element of successful video conferences, and it’s in your best interest to prioritize your setup. Be sure to test out your angles beforehand and set your camera up so that it is eye level for the meeting.
Don’ts:
Don’t Leave Your Mic on the Entire Time
There’s nothing worse than trying to pay attention to what someone is saying in a video call and only being able to hear the sound of children, pets or roommates in the background. To avoid being the person that distracts everyone else, make sure you mute yourself whenever you’re not speaking. Microphones tend to pick up on even the most minor background noises, so this practice is one that’s applicable in all living scenarios.
Don’t Be Late
While you may be able to get away with slipping in through the back door during in-person meetings, doing so during virtual meetings can be incredibly disruptive. The first few minutes of virtual meetings are a time when technical difficulties can be worked out and team members can adjust to where everyone is located on the screen. When you’re tardy, you can throw the whole flow of the meeting off!
Don’t Try to Multitask
As tempting as it may be to work on other projects or check emails while your video conference is going on, doing so defeats the whole purpose of the meeting taking place. Not only does multitasking make it difficult to pay attention and absorb information – it can also come off as rude! To get the most out of your meetings and keep your colleagues content it’s best to just be in the moment.
With this video conferencing etiquette guide, your virtual meetings will go a lot smoother and you’ll save yourself from any unnecessary embarrassment! And if you’re looking for a spot to conduct your video conferences without any interruptions, Project Spaces is the place to go.
Our coworking spaces in downtown Toronto have multiple meeting rooms that start at just $45 per hour! Book a room today to conduct your meetings in an environment where entrepreneurship thrives.
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