17 Video conferencing tips for more productive meetings
Set the stage. Choose a well-lit and tidy background for your video call, and make sure your camera is at eye level. You want to look professional and put-together, just like you would in an in-person meeting.
Trust the technology. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection before the call starts. A little prep can prevent any technical issues from getting in the way of your meeting.
Dress for the occasion. Even though you're at home, it's important to be presentable from the waist up. This will help you feel more professional and confident during the call.
Avoid distractions. Find a quiet and private space to take your call. Let others in your household know not to disturb you during the meeting.
Mute yourself. When you're not speaking, it's best to mute your microphone to avoid any background noise from your end.
Pay attention. Like in an in-person meeting, it's important to give your full attention to the speaker during a video call. Avoid multitasking in another tab or checking your phone.
Keep nonverbal cues in mind. Body language like eye contact, nodding, and facial expressions have an impact. Use appropriate body language and be sure to show genuine engagement in view of the camera.
Default "video on". Make it a principle to keep videos on. Seeing your colleagues face-to-face brings energy into the room and fosters engagement.
Eliminate the looky-loos. If anyone feels it's unnecessary to have their video on, they probably aren’t a big enough stakeholder and should decline the invitation altogether.
Be on time. Treat it like an in-person meeting and be on time for a video call. Being late throws everyone else off, which is not very empathetic.
Record and transcribe the conversation. Allow an AI transcriber like Otter.ai do the work of typing everything out. Make sure you record the zoom to post into the notes.
Reduce the risk of interruptions. Before a call, take a minute to make sure kids and pets will be all set for the duration. Silence your phone and close the door if you can.
Being organized is respectful. Have notes, presentations, and agendas, at hand before the call starts. Always have an agenda to help keep the meeting on track and productive.
Ask for input. Encourage others to share their thoughts and ideas and give them space by listening. This will help keep everyone engaged and invested in the meeting.
Take breaks. If the meeting is going to be a long one, take breaks every hour or so to stretch, get some water, and refocus. This will help keep everyone energized and productive.
Follow up. After the call, make sure to follow up with any action items or decisions that were made. This will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that the meeting was productive.
Follow SOPs for security. Double-check your privacy settings and follow company protocol. Make sure to secure your video call platform and keep passwords private.
