10 Quick Tips for Video Conversations
/Being able to hear… and be heard clearly is important while we are working from home and having video conversations / video conferencing.
A few easy adjustments can help you sound professional and remove distractions for you and the people you are speaking with. To help you, here are 10 quick tips for video conversations if you are using your desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.
Position your camera at eye level or a bit higher (rather than a bit lower), and make sure you are centered on the screen. Nobody needs to look at your forehead or ceiling during the call.
Try to get lighting that is pointed in your direction and close to the camera… not behind you (this is really important to take away shadows on your face). Overhead light is good to help balance light, especially if it’s on a dimmer and you can adjust it. Try using a shade mute the harshness of any direct light.
Use a headset so you can hear people more clearly, especially if there are many people on the call and so you don’t bother others near you.
Use an external microphone to improve the clarity of your voice, especially if there are many people on the call. This can also reduce background noise for the others on the call.
Try not to talk over other people.
If there are many people on the call let them know it’s you speaking… even if it’s a video call and especially if there are people who may not recognize your voice. A quick, ‘Bruce here’ goes a long way.
Speak slowly and clearly, especially if you know you typically speak quickly.
Know how to reach your audience by phone, text or email if you experience technical difficulties.
Spend 2-minutes ahead of time to write down a few notes about important information you want to share / cover. Use a pad of paper, not on the device you will be using for the call.
Dress as if you are meeting in person!
Video conferencing and video conversations are gaining in popularity because they are a great way to improve communication, understanding and build a sense of team between two or more people. Done well, video conferencing can be just as good as being there… without all the time wasted by traveling. Without a doubt, if you are trying to brainstorm a plan or talk through a challenge, video conferencing and video conversations are far superior than email or even phone conversations.
And don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to get your work from home station set up with better technology.
For me, points 3 and 4 were the ones I had to fix in my work from home office. Where do you think your biggest gains will be?
BONUS: A Few More Things.
Being able to share your computer screen is very helpful between team members. I won’t get into it here, but this is something you may want to look into and make sure everyone knows how to do this.
Minimize how many online tabs / websites you have open. Close as many as you can so they don’t slow down your computer and internet bandwidth.
Turn off notifications for your calendar, email and other apps. Do this also for other devices that are near by.
Clean up the space behind you. Nobody needs to be distracted by a mess… or wonder if your work quality is as messy as your office.
Thanks for reading 10 Quick Tips for Video Conversations.
If i can help you in any way, please let me know. Click HERE to link to my professional development website.
Bruce
#WorkFromHomeTip #WorkRemotely #HR #stayhomechallenge #Work #VideoConversations
About Bruce and Bruce Mayhew Consulting.
Bruce is Corporate Trainer and Executive Coach.
As a Corporate Trainer Bruce Mayhew (of BMC) specialize in customized Time Management Training, Email Etiquette Training, Leadership & New Leadership Development, Generational Differences and other soft skills training solutions in Toronto and across Canada. Bruce is also an Executive Coach to a few select clients.
BMC helps your greatest assets think productive and be productive.
Bruce is an experienced motivational speaker in Toronto and has inspired audiences across Canada and within the USA and the UK. Bruce works hard to always make sure your training event, conference, retreat, or annual general meeting is a success.
