How to be more professional on video calls
What's the story
Video calls have become an indispensable part of professional as well as personal communication.
As these virtual meetings continue to take over in-person interactions, knowing the finer points of video call etiquette is important.
Adopting certain behaviors can go a long way in making the experience better for everyone, keeping the communication effective and courteous.
Here are five must-have behaviors to boost your video call courtesy.
Eye contact
Maintain eye contact
Keeping eye-contact during a video call establishes a connection with other participants.
It means looking directly at the camera instead of your screen or elsewhere in the room.
This simple act can make the others feel acknowledged and engaged in the conversation.
Practicing this behavior regularly can make your interactions more meaningful and improve the dynamics of your conversation.
Noise control
Minimize background noise
Background noise can be distracting during a video call, making it hard for others to focus on what is being said.
To minimize disruptions, pick a quiet location for your calls and use headphones if need be.
Also, muting your microphone when not speaking can save your colleagues from any unintended sounds from interrupting the meeting.
Dress code
Dress appropriately
Dressing right for a video call shows that you respect the other participants and sets a professional tone.
Though you may be working from home, wearing office-appropriate attire indicates that you take the meeting seriously.
This not only helps maintain professionalism but also ensures you are mindful and prepared.
Timeliness
Be punctual
One of the most important aspects of video call etiquette is being punctual.
Joining meetings on time respects the schedule of others and allows discussions to kick off immediately without wasting time.
Setting up reminders or alarms can help you be ready to join calls at their scheduled times.
Clarity
Use clear communication
Clear communication is important no matter what, but it's even more critical in virtual settings, where non-verbal cues may be lost or missed altogether due to technical issues like lagging connections or poor audio quality.
Speak clearly, avoid jargon, and confirm understanding by summarizing key points when needed.