Video Conferencing Best Practices

From streaming social video content to real-time video chatting with loved ones, the new normal is the consumerization of video. But, like any technology, there are still human and environmental elements that can affect the success of a video call. Whether you’re joining your team’s weekly video standup meeting or interviewing a job candidate for the first time through a video interview, here are a few remote employee best practices to ensure that your video call is as effective and productive as possible:

Use a Headset in Crowded Spaces

While you can meet through video anytime at any place, sometimes life’s distractions can get in the way. Wearing a headset in noisy, crowded spaces can virtually eliminate distracting echoes and help other participants hear you more clearly. When you don’t have access to a quiet space, use a headset so you and your colleagues can focus on what matters most: the meeting.

Mute When You’re Not Speaking

If you’re in a loud area and you don’t have access to a headset, one best practice is to mute yourself when you are not speaking (especially if you are on a call with more than two participants). This will significantly reduce background noise for everyone on the call.

Avoid Window Backdrops

Windows are wonderful for adding natural light to your office, but when used as backlighting on a video call, they can negatively impact the quality by giving you a harsh silhouette effect. Whenever possible, try sitting with your back to a wall rather than a window or try lowering the shades.

Opt-in for Meeting Recording

Recording online meetings usually leads to fewer side conversations and tends to allow teams to progress through their agendas more smoothly. Just make sure you let your colleagues know before you start recording a video call and share the recording with anyone who was attending.

Don’t Forget Your Far-End Etiquette

While video conferencing might make you feel like everyone is in the same room, remember to not turn your back to the screen(s) or block the view of the camera for “far-enders.” And remember to always say good-bye to the on-screen participants as you would to anyone else before leaving a meeting. It’s just common courtesy!

The Human Element

Just like talking face to face or through chat, video conferencing is just a normal part of your everyday workday. It isn’t rocket science — video technology is just another way you can communicate with people at the office. Put your best foot forward and focus on your meeting and your colleagues, not how you look on camera.

Network Best Practices for Video Conferencing

From understanding your network’s bandwidth capacity to the importance of health monitoring and security needs, check out our Video Conferencing Network Best Practices guide to get the most out of your network.

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