Video conferencing is a great way to see people face-to-face that you otherwise would only be able to speak to on the phone. And while you can also have an audio conference call, this infographic shows why video conferencing is actually preferred in most industries. However, in order to have a successful experience with your video conference calls, you have to be prepared and understand the best practices for these encounters. So to help you not commit a video conferencing faux pas, here are three of the best practices for using video conferencing within your business.
Get Comfortable With the Software Before Using It With Clients
Obviously, different video conferencing software is going to have different quality video and different functionality. If you’re not familiar with the software your company’s using, this could make for a very bad impression on your clients or partners, especially if it makes you and your business seem incompetent. To keep this from happening, Kristen Terpstra, a contributor to WealthManagement.com, recommends getting comfortable with the software before you use it to call someone outside the company. Do a few test runs with a coworker or close friend outside the office to make sure you know what you’re doing and can easily troubleshoot any common problems that might arise.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Just because you can function with moderate chaos around you doesn’t mean that those you’re video conferencing will be able to handle that same level of chaos. Especially if there’s loud noise around you, either from other people or just from the environment, it could have a very negative impact on your call. For this reason, Stanford University IT recommends being aware of your surroundings and how you’re presenting yourself. Eliminate background noise and make sure the lighting is right for your call. Also, avoid wearing clothes that have stripes or are too bright or dark, as they can affect the quality of the video.
Speak Clearly But Don’t Yell
Depending on the quality of the software and services that you’re using, you could have some lag time between the video and audio during a conference call. This can make it hard to be understood. Also, your microphone may not catch everything you’re trying to say. To ensure you don’t have too many problems with being heard, Nicole Marie Richardson, a contributor to Inc.com, recommends speaking very clearly but being careful not to yell. If you get too loud, the people on the other end of the video call might turn the volume down. This can make it hard for them to hear all that’s happening on other ends of the call.
If you’re concerned about how best to conduct conference calls for your business, use the tips mentioned above to ensure you hold these meetings successfully.
