Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing Etiquette

1. Ensure Your Technology Works Correctly
You don't want to have to delay a meeting because your video conferencing system isn't working properly. Find someone willing to help, and make sure you understand the process fully before starting your first video conference. This will ensure everything runs smoothly during the real thing.

2. Be on Time
This one should be standard with any meeting, video or otherwise. However, when you are dialing into a video conference, it is especially important. While you might be able to get away with sneaking into a physical meeting late, everything is more visible in a video conference.

Additionally, when you're on time for a meeting, it'll make getting set up with technology easier and less painless so the meeting can start on time.

3. Mute Yourself When Not Speaking
Even though you may not be speaking and think you are being quiet, most microphones can pick up minor background noises such as paper shuffling, water running, or typing. These sounds can easily distract other video conferencing participants and potentially even annoy.

4. Use Technology Fully and Join by Video
Whenever possible always join by video and not just by phone. It is nice to see everyone’s faces when participating in a meeting. Plus it is easier to identify who is speaking. Video conferences work better than conference calls and when people are on the video, they are more likely to pay attention and participate.

When you join by video and not just dialing in you will also be able to see shared documents the meeting host might be using on the screen.

5. Name Your Account Accordingly
When you join the meeting make sure your name appears appropriately. If you are using someone else’s account please make sure to change the name. You might want to put your unit number or address next to your name so your fellow members get to know you. If you are dialing in please make sure to identify yourself so the host can rename your screen.

Also please feel free to add what pronouns you would like to be addressed by to make you comfortable. She/her/hers, He/him/his, or They/them/theirs.

6. Frame the Camera Correctly
We have all been on video calls where we end up looking up people's nostrils or seeing the side of their face. When you're on video, make sure you frame your camera in a way that feels natural and allows you to look at the camera. Sit at eye level to the lens, and try to position yourself so that it shows midsection up. Placing it too high leaves other participants staring down at you like a bad tv show. Putting a camera too low can lead to unflattering and awkward angles.

7. Have the Right Light
Poor lighting conditions have an enormous effect on the video quality that you send. You'll want to make sure that there is enough light in the room you are in so that your video isn't grainy and unwatchable. Try to not mix natural lighting and office lighting unless your office bulbs are daylight white. You also don't want any faces being lit from below, as this makes you look like a cartoonish villain from a silent film. Lighting from the sides will make faces look the best, so try for that if you have the ability.

8. Look Into the Camera
A common mistake is looking at the video feed instead of the camera when speaking to a remote participant. While it may seem like the right thing to do, it actually makes it appear as if you're looking off and not paying attention. This will make you come across as more aloof and less professional. Looking into the camera lens is the equivalent of looking into the person's eyes, so practice doing so until you are comfortable with it.

9. Pay Attention
Stop checking emails or working during video conferences. Not only does research suggest only 3% of people can multitask effectively, but you also look rude to your participants.