Top 10 Do’s and Dont’s of Video Conferencing

With even more meetings that could have been emails, it is important to put your total effort into your virtual meetings. And virtual meetings don’t play by the same etiquette as regular meetings. So to help you get the most out of your next virtual video conference, we have compiled a list of top ten things to do (and not to do) for you to consider.

DO: Look Professional (Including Wearing Pants!)

We won’t argue. Working from home is nice–including writing emails in your pajamas. However, when it comes to video conferences, treat them like an in-person office meeting. If it violates the dress code, it’s not appropriate for a video call. Also, be sure to wear pants as well, just to avoid any unnecessary humiliation. If Folger’s had to make a commercial about it, it probably happened to someone.

DON’T: Privately Message Your Work Bestie or Crush

Remember, this is a meeting, not a social hour. You wouldn’t talk over the speaker the whole time in an in-person meeting, so don’t spend your time messaging your friends unless it’s work-related and important. Save the gossip for cocktail hour.

DO: Stay Focused

It can be sooooo hard to stay focused on the same speaker for more than ten minutes when there are sooo many other things that you can do right from your computer! It is tempting to check your email, scroll through social media, or completely tune out altogether. Work on your video conferencing habits and minimize distractions.

DON’T: Take Yourself Off Mute (Exceptions Apply)

Unless you are needing to talk, have to ask a question, or are in a small group where discussion is more free-flowing, keep your microphone on mute. Things like your breathing can be very distracting, and background noise is not enjoyable for anyone else.

DO: Wait Longer for a Response

Everyone’s internet bandwidth is different. So give others a chance to speak by extending the wait time for their internet to catch up and for them to think of an answer. It can feel like forever, but start a stopwatch and don’t look at it and stop it when you think it has been five seconds. How close are you?

DON’T: Let Your Computer Die

Plan ahead and make sure you have your power cord and an outlet nearby. Nothing is worse than having to scramble to get back on after your computer dies. You thought five seconds was long–the time it takes for you to get back on track can feel even longer.

DO: Have a Pleasant Background

Whether it is an overlay or just your wall, make sure to have a good background. Make sure your space is well lit, but don’t have the window blinding everyone on the call! Whatever you decide to go with, keep it simple and keep it clean and professional.

DON’T: Have Bad Manners (or Hygiene!)

It can be hard to remember that you are on camera. So if you have to do something that you would only do in private, either turn off your camera or walk away for a moment. Trust us–no one wants to watch you blow your nose.

DO: Have a Good Microphone

You don’t need anything elaborate–most computers and earbuds have a great microphone built-in. But just to be sure, especially in highly populated Zoom rooms, test out your microphone before you get on for your meeting.

DON’T: Flood the Chat

It’s great that you’re engaging with the meeting–but don’t bombard the chat. It can be really easy for questions to get missed and for everyone to get distracted. Just keep the chat work-related, and keep the messages short.

And there you have it! Your own do’s and don’ts to navigate your next virtual meeting. If your home office is too distracting–kids, phone, chores–then consider renting a space at Minds Co/Work to attend your next meeting so that you can give 100% to your work.