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Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash - Image by @upklyak on freepik

Today, this effective tool for interacting with our professional contacts is an integral part of working from home. But the slightest technical hitch can hinder good communication...

- Everything is operational -

Let's test our computer, apps, camera, and microphone (online and offline) to make sure everything is working before any discussion. We don't want to delay the start of our conversations, or disrupting the course of it, because we can't be seen or heard properly.

- The background -

Ideally, the background of a video conference should be relatively clean, non-distracting, and communicating nothing of our privacy. Let's make sure that our background doesn't have a pile of dishes, dirty laundry or a partner coming out of the shower. Many virtual meeting platforms allow us to change or blur the background, if necessary. Let's also make sure there is enough light to allow others to see us, this is especially important if we are conducting an online job interview or meeting people through screens for the first time.

- Drink in the words -

Let's articulate and speak slowly, the quality of our Internet connection may vary, as may the reliability of devices. We should keep in mind that a slight lag often occurs when a person is speaking, so let's pause after asking a question and listen precisely to the response of others. It is easy to interrupt other speakers inadvertently.

- Face camera -

Our screen has many things to watch : pictures of our colleagues and ourselves, the main presentation and/or the transcript of the conversation. Off-screen, our partner and/or our children can move around us. We need to make « eye contact » with the other participants, fixing the camera when we speak and listen.

- Keeping the calm -

If possible, we will sit in a low traffic room where we can close the door. If we can't find privacy for our videoconference, let's move to a less busy space in our home. Let us explain to roommates, spouses, relatives or children that we are attending a work meeting and that we will not be able to speak to them during this period. If possible, let's put our pets in a separate room. And let's not forget to turn off notifications on our computer and personal devices.

- Silence is gold -

Most videoconferencing services allow us to participate in meetings in silent mode. During the meeting, when we are not speaking, we have to turn off the microphone so that others can speak without hearing feedback, the noise of papers and files, or when we put our cup of coffee too loudly near our computer.

- The outfit that will do -

A simple outfit is enough, however we should avoid stripes and check patterns as they can create a moiré effect (waves) in the image. Likewise bright white or deep black clothes have a disruptive effect on webcams : white may stop the focusing and black will make the surroundings too bright.

- Let's share with caution -

If we share our screen during a video conference, we have to close documents we don't want to share, temporarily turn off all messaging notifications (chat, Outlook, etc.), and reduce the number of windows and tabs open for participants to see easily what we are talking about.

- No multitasking -

The know-how in virtual meetings involves resisting the temptation to consult the news, social networks or our emails, during the discussion. A participant's lack of attention during a video conference is clearly noticeable and insulting. And no one wants to see us or hear us eat and drink, even if it's lunchtime.

Conclusions

Whether we have a one-on-one chat or a multi-party video call, we won't be able to fully benefit from it if our equipment is working. All we need to do is turn on our camera, our desk lamp, our microphone, put on our headphones and hang up a « Do not disturb » sign.

What do you think?