{"id":120683,"date":"2021-11-13T16:31:07","date_gmt":"2021-11-13T21:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/?p=120683"},"modified":"2021-11-13T16:31:07","modified_gmt":"2021-11-13T21:31:07","slug":"14-tips-to-impress-on-your-next-video-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/index.php\/14-tips-to-impress-on-your-next-video-call\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Tips to Impress on Your Next Video Call"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\"14<\/a>Video calls<\/strong> won\u2019t be going away any time soon. Despite companies eyeing \u201creturn to the office<\/strong>\u201d initiatives remote work is here to stay. The new normal<\/strong> distributed workforce will continue to use video conferencing<\/strong> to support workplace collaboration. It is estimated that by 2025, 36.2 million Americans<\/b><\/a> will be working remotely. That represents an 87% percent<\/strong> increase from pre-COVID-19 levels. U.S, businesses have more than 11 million video meetings a day<\/a><\/strong> Here is a list of things<\/a> you can do to improve your effectiveness during your next video call<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

Before the video call<\/h3>\r\n

1. Dress Appropriately –<\/strong> You want to appear professional. Wear attire that\u2019s appropriate for the type of meeting<\/strong>. This doesn\u2019t mean you need to wear a suit. Assess the situation and dress to match it.<\/p>\r\n

\"Be<\/a>2. Be Prepared –<\/strong> Before attending an online meeting, prepare yourself mentally. This helps you take part more effectively. This also includes preparing materials you may need<\/strong>. This is even more important if you are presenting<\/strong> or need to go through some documents with the team.<\/p>\r\n

Join the video conference<\/h3>\r\n

3. Arrive Early –<\/strong> Arriving early helps you get settled in and ready to begin. You\u2019ll have time for small talk<\/strong>, which can help you connect with others. Arriving early also provides additional time to review any documents<\/strong> or presentations prior to beginning the session.<\/p>\r\n

\"Position<\/a>4. Frame Yourself –<\/strong> Position the camera<\/strong> to be straight in front of you or slightly higher. Don\u2019t have the camera off to the side or below you. Sit close enough so that you\u2019re in the middle of the frame. Fill at least one-third of the screen<\/strong>. If you sit too far away, you\u2019ll appear small on the camera<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

5. Clean Your Background<\/strong> – Look at what\u2019s behind you and what others will see when you\u2019re on camera<\/strong>. Don\u2019t show a room full of dirty laundry or stacks of clutter. Use the virtual backgrounds<\/strong> available in Zoom and Microsoft Teams.\u00a0 And make sure others in your home know that you\u2019ll be on video to avoid any potentially embarrassing situations<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

\"Don\u2019t<\/a>6. Light Up – <\/strong>When you\u2019re using a webcam, avoid direct sunlight<\/strong> because this can be too harsh. Don\u2019t sit with a bright light behind you because it will be hard for others to see your face. Also avoid bright or harsh overhead lights. They wash out skin tones. Instead, choose soft lighting that lets others easily see your facial expressions<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

During the video call<\/h3>\r\n

7. Turn the Camera On –<\/strong> Many feel strongly video conference participants should leave their camera on during meetings. When you turn your camera off it is considered a sign of disrespect<\/a><\/strong> to everyone else in the meeting.<\/p>\r\n

\"sit<\/a>8. Sit Straight –<\/strong> Your posture should reflect confidence and strength<\/strong>. Do not hunch over your laptop. Keep your shoulders back and head upright. You\u2019ll definitely look better on video calls if you sit up straight. Sitting up straight will help you be more energized while on the video call. Slouching can make you look unmotivated and lazy.<\/p>\r\n

9. Look at the Camera –<\/strong> Eye contact conveys interest and engagement<\/strong>. When speaking, look at your camera so that it gives the impression of making eye contact with those you\u2019re speaking to.<\/p>\r\n

Use common courtesy in the call<\/h3>\r\n

10. Pay Attention –<\/strong> Remain focused<\/strong> throughout the entire meeting. That means avoid multitasking<\/strong>. Multitasking takes your focus away from what\u2019s happening in the meeting. The best way to avoid multitasking is to mute your phone<\/strong>. Incoming calls, texts, emails, and social media notifications disturb you as well as other stakeholders.<\/p>\r\n

11. Speak Clearly –<\/strong> Speaking loudly may seem appropriate when communicating face-to-face, but it doesn\u2019t work well over distance. Try using clear language and short sentences.<\/p>\r\n

11. Don’t Interrupt –<\/strong> It\u2019s rude. Interrupting makes it difficult for speakers to finish sharing their thoughts. Instead, \"Ask<\/a>wait until they finish speaking before responding.<\/p>\r\n

12. Ask Relevant Questions –<\/strong>\u00a0 It shows that you\u2019re engaged and paying attention. Even if you have nothing else to say in a meeting, asking a question gives you the chance to take part and get noticed.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

13. Don’t Gossip –<\/strong> Be respectful of others. Even if you\u2019re having a more casual meeting, spreading gossip makes you look unprofessional and will decrease others\u2019 trust in you<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

14. Stay Positive –<\/strong> Being negative does nothing to help anyone\u2019s mood. Instead, focus on solutions rather than problems.<\/p>\r\n

rb-<\/em><\/strong>
Using these tips can help you appear more confident and elevate your presence in virtual meetings. This can help you get noticed, and others will take you more seriously at work. And they\u2019ll help you build relationships that can help your career.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

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Stay safe out there!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n

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