As we embrace the idea of remote work, this transformation comes with many challenges, including determining the best way to conduct video meetings. Since you are joining a video conference (most of the time from your home workspace or living room), you must look and sound good without the assistance of professional broadcasting technology. This giveaway covers five things to avoid while in a video conference not to accidentally ruin your impression. Let’s dive into it.
Things to Avoid While in a Video Conference: 5 Tips for Success
-
Keeping the Camera at a Weird Angle
A good camera angle is among the best practices in a video call. Bad camera angles may distract other participants and make you look unprofessional. Your webcam/laptop may appear to be in a fine position, but all the other meeting participants may only notice a close-up shot of your nose. Avoid this fate by focusing your webcam at eye level.
Tip: A stack of books or an adjustable stand is some of the options that might be useful to adjust your laptop/webcam. Good lighting on your face is vital for video calls. If possible, join the meeting from a place with the most natural light, and use overhead lighting if possible.
-
Not Paying Attention to Body Language
Your body position, posture, and gestures significantly impact how you are perceived by other participants in a video conference. Watching you fidget constantly, fix your hair or clothes, or use your cell phone during a meeting distracts others and indicates you are either unfocused, anxious, or nervous.
Tip: To avoid this situation, sit up straight, square your shoulders, and keep your eyes focused on the camera. Follow the video conferencing best practices to make your session successful and enhance productivity.
-
Family Issues
During a video call, a crying baby or an arguing family member heard or seen in the background can be an issue. Keeping your microphone on mute is always a win, especially if you have children, family members, or pets in the house who may come and go in your room.
Tip: To avoid such situations, ensure your family knows (and follows) your work-from-home rules. Avoid listening to music or leaving the TV in the background to prevent noise distractions.
-
Screen Sharing Mix-up
During the video conference, you might be asked to share your screen at some point for presentation. Keep your desktop neat and clean. Think about your desktop wallpaper. Is it professional or suitable for others to see?
Tip: Ensure your personal or confidential information isn’t displayed on the screen to keep your privacy in check.
-
Distractions in the background
Be careful about what’s showing in your background during the video call. Since some webcams have fairly wide angles, there’s more in view being seen in the camera than you might think. If paintings or artworks hang on the walls, make sure those are appropriate for the work environment. You may create a solid backdrop by closing the curtains or lowering the window shades.
Tip: You may also consider using virtual/artificial background or background blur options. So, be careful about these features while choosing a virtual meeting platform.
Final Words
Making mistakes during a video conference makes you look unprofessional and clumsy, which you would usually not do during physical meetings. These abovementioned things to avoid while in a video conference can be followed to ensure you avoid repeating such mistakes in the future for success.
