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IN THE VIDEO CONFERENCE: THE GOLDEN RULES!
Ah, videoconferencing, the practice that entered our lives at the same time as teleworking... Not exactly for our delight. The reunionitis that we all suffered from has simply become virtual: we are now facing acute vision-nitis!
The least we can say is that video conferencing is still the subject of debate, especially on one topic: the camera! So, equipment with or without a camera? We'll let you discover our point of view in the rest of this guide, and if you want to know some best practices to make an online meeting a success, it's there too: ↓
THE CAMERA: WHY IT IS ESSENTIAL
Would you walk into a meeting room with a balaclava on your head? Unless your company is in the business of robbing banks, the answer is no. So yes, legally nothing forces you to turn on the camera... But do you really want to distort communication with his colleagues?
7%
of communication is verbal
the meaning of the words we pronounce
38%
communication is by voice
the sound of our voice and our intonation
55%
of communication is visual
our gestures, postures and facial expressions
Ultimately, turning off the camera means destroying 55% of your communication. And the deterioration of communication never leads to anything good.
In communication, we need to see each other to evaluate ourselves: am I understood? Are people happy, surprised or angry? It is impossible to do this when we are faced with a black screen, 2 initials or a photo on a flipchart. Not seeing others becomes stressful and a source of misunderstandings.
We know what you are going to tell us:
I don't want people to see what my apartment looks like (or I want to hide my collection of Pokémon figures). 2 options:
- Place a background or blur it: almost all video tools allow this
- Place the webcam at eye level: too high and it will be out of frame, too low and other participants could end up looking over you nose.
- Place a background or blur it: almost all video tools allow this
- Place the webcam at eye level: too high and it will be out of frame, too low and other participants could end up looking over you nose.
It consumes too much bandwidth.
Do you really live in a white area? Most connections support the camera (and if not, there is connection sharing).
Do you really live in a white area? Most connections support the camera (and if not, there is connection sharing).
I'm not comfortable / I'm bothered by people seeing my face: There are also 2 solutions here:
- Turn off your video feedback to focus on the meeting.
- Place a fluorescent post-it note at camera height to help you see the face of the person you are interacting with.
- Turn off your video feedback to focus on the meeting.
- Place a fluorescent post-it note at camera height to help you see the face of the person you are interacting with.
If you're not turning on the camera, it's because you're hanging out the laundry, you're in your pajamas, you're doing your nails, or you're playing Candy Crush.
SO PLEASE, IN THE FUTURE, TURN ON YOUR CAMERA AND TRY TO FOLLOW THESE GOOD PRACTICES TO MAKE YOUR VIDEO IN THE BEST CONDITION:
It's tempting to multitask while recording a video, and naively think that no one will notice.
Well, it turns out that humans are not as good at multitasking as we think, and it causes us more stress than anything else.
So let's close unnecessary windows and applications and deactivate notifications on our smartphone
( this way it's easier to resist the temptation of social networks ).
It may seem obvious to some, but unfortunately it is not to everyone. You know what they say: punctuality is the courtesy of kings!
Arriving on time is simply the key to getting a virtual meeting off to a good start, and it also shows that you respect your colleagues by appreciating their time.
At the beginning of a video conference, it always happens that the computer asks for an update or technical glitches appear out of nowhere. The best way to get ahead of any problems is to take the time to call a colleague to do the following checks:
- Check that your video software is up to date.
- Check the speed and stability of the Internet connection.
- Check that the equipment works and is configured correctly.
Attention: when you are on video, your interlocutor can see you! So while it may be tempting to opt for the famous suit, tie, boxers and socks, it's important to dress well, especially from head to toe (you'll thank us if you have to get up for any reason!).
In a nutshell:
- Color Yes, but in moderation. Pastel tones are preferable, because colors that are too bright or garish can cause a bad effect
- Stripes, prints and checks Prints can quickly distort your image. Plain clothes always work.
- Hats and caps Avoid them: they reduce the visible part of the face, which is already reduced by the webcam...
- Sportswear There is a reason why the term "sweatshirt" comes from the English word "sweat": These are sportswear, not business clothes!
SUMMARIZING
The basics for a video to be successful: involve your audience, take care of the way you express yourself and move, and take care of your appearance and environment. Keep in mind that no matter how many checks you do, something can always go wrong. It is best to have a backup plan (just in case) so that the video is not ruined by a technical problem.
New to the world of video conferencing? Check out our comprehensive video conferencing guide , and equip yourself for video conferencing one-on-one or in meeting rooms today.
As a Key Account Manager specialized in video conferencing solutions, I combine expertise in key account management with technological innovation. My approach is to tailor communication solutions for each client to maximize their efficiency and satisfaction. I am committed to transforming communication challenges into opportunities through sustainable partnerships and effective collaboration.