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Avoid dumb ’caught on video’ moments
You did it. You bought a webcam and are ready to join the millions of savvy people already taking advantage of video communications over the Internet. Now you can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world, just as if they were sitting in the same room with you.
While this technology opens up many possibilities for keeping in touch with distant loved ones or communicating with key colleagues, video communication presents a perplexing new set of etiquette rules that you’ll want to know before jumping on your first video call.
Conference calls are becoming common and everyone needs to know how to handle them.
To avoid embarrassing “captured on video” moments, consider the following 10 etiquette tips for a successful, stress-free experience:
• Forget what you’ve been told – looks DO matter. Before joining a video call, comb your hair and make sure your clothes are clean. At the very least. Some webcams provide such good image quality that your friends will know if you haven’t washed your hair lately.
Don’t wear bright or crazy colours or patterns that may make the person on the other side difficult to focus. Go for muted colors instead.
• Put your best face forward. Check for flyaways, spinach in your teeth and ladies – sloppy makeup is a no-no. Use your manners - introduce yourself, speak clearly, don’t interrupt.
• Be cautious of body language. Remember, others can see you. So eye rolling or snickering in response to even the most silly comments won’t go unnoticed. Avoid tapping your pencil or drumming your fingers on the desk.
• No food allowed. Munching is inappropriate in any conference, more so in a videoconference where all the participants can see you. This can irritate them and make the conference less productive.
No one wants to see you devour an entire bag of wafers (not silicon) what ever brand. And no gum chewing please.
• Use the best VoIP video calling service. There are several good VoIP services available both free and for fee. This will reduce your downtime
• Try not to look distracted. Don’t constantly check your watch, recline with your feet up or doodle on your notepad. If you have to fiddle, at least pretend that you’re interested. Don’t interrupt or distract others when they are talking.
• Can you hear me now? Ask the people at the other side if they can hear you. Make sure you’re using a headset or a webcam with an integrated microphone. If not, other participants may be unable to hear you. Speak in your normal voice. Have them introduce themselves so you can be sure that you can hear them.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Make the area, where you are conferencing from, presentable. Watch out for distracting or inappropriate background items, such as a dirty shirt draped over a chair, strange artwork or large quantities of office supplies that you took home from work.
They could make you the topic of tomorrow’s water-cooler gossip.
Do not have babies screaming or your dog barking during a video conference call.
It’s not cute at all! If it is not possible to be away from the noise, mute your phone whenever you are not speaking.
• Limit background noise. For the best audio results, conduct your video call in a quiet environment. Like in a normal meeting, try to avoid side conversations. Mute the microphone before moving it during a meeting.
Shuffling of papers in a conference call can be annoying. And of course, turn your phone off (airplane mode)- not just on silent - to avoid any kind of feedback!
• Check the lighting. To ensure the best video quality, find a well-lit room and try not to sit with your back to a window during daylight hours.
Close the curtains of your windows. Daylight may conflict with the lighting required.
Most important, regardless of whether its work-related or catching up with friends treat the experience as though you’re actually in the same room with your friend or colleague. Then be yourself and your video conversations will always be a success.
(The author is Director, India & South East Asia, of a globally known personal peripherals company)
HAPPY VIDEO CALLING! MONINDER JAIN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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