The global workforce and education has shifted to the work-from-home, learn-from-home routine, which has instantly transitioned in-person meetings into online video conferences. While it is best to treat these video calls as if you’re physically present in the meeting, there are still a few dos and don’ts you should know if you want to ace them capably.
Here are five handy tips for video conferencing that will exceptionally help you during these unprecedented times:
1- Test Your Wi-Fi BeforehandThis is one of the crucial, yet ignored, precautionary measures of all time. Some internet connections perform well for web browsing, but they don’t support video calls as capably because that takes much greater network bandwidth. If that’s the case, you should think about switching to another, more reliable network connection.
To clear up the confusion, you should head to the Speedtest site and check your uploading and downloading speed on the server. If your connection is not fast enough, you should first try choosing different spots in your house and speed test the internet connection at each point. It is best to position yourself close to the router if that’s feasible.
2- Eliminate the DistractionsSecondly, it is best to select a space for video calls that doesn’t have distracting features. While the background for your call might be neutral, you also have to be mindful about what is and isn’t in your peripheral vision. For example, if there’s a television mounted on the adjacent wall, it’ll keep distracting you unnecessarily. Switching your phone on silent mode and managing your laptop or desktop system’s settings to turn off the pop-up notifications will also prevent you from stuttering when you’re in the middle of an important discussion.
3- Prepare your Space AppropriatelyMake sure that the space you are using is well-lit and appropriate for what you are about to do. If you are following an online class or meeting that requires demonstration, movement or use of proprs, ensure everything is in reach and that the room is clared to allow better motion. Have your wireless devices charged to avoid interruptions. Try to keep your roomates or pets away from the area you’ve dedicated for the video conferences. However, don’t stress too much if things don’t go as planned and someone makes an unexpected appearance at the wrong time. Keeping your calm and asking your colleagues if you could step away for a moment to handle the situation is the best thing you can do at such times.
4- Invest In the OpticsIt is best to get a good webcam and microphone for improving the way you look and sound during the video conference. If possible, you should position yourself such that you’re facing a light source with the camera exactly aligned at your eye level. Plus, it is considered more professional to mute yourself when you’re not speaking so that your background noise doesn’t disturb or interrupt others.
5- Prepare Before Sharing Your ScreenLastly, if you need to share your screen during the video conference, take a few seconds to prepare yourself before hitting that share button. To avoid any awkward confrontations about irrelevant or personal stuff on your screen, you should clear your open folders, tabs, or anything that isn’t part of the discussion.
Moreover, to enhance your video conferencing experience, you can inaugurate the Kiperline Skyline Gen-9 portable wireless monitor to keep the details clear and ultra-sharp.