Remote Working: Here are 7 tips for Holding Successful Video Conferencing

With almost everyone working from home to curb the spread of COVID-19, teams that traditionally met physically have turned to video conferencing for meetings and easier communication between members.

While some may prefer just a normal phone call, wholesome communication includes nonverbal and body language which is incredibly important to understanding people especially when the communication involves a number of people.

Video meetings go long way to give you that in-person experience, but it been something new for many here are seven tips to ensure that you get the most of the next video business meeting.

1. Prepare
Arrange and organize with the rest of your team when the meeting will take place, how it will be conducted and who will be in charge of the various aspects of the meeting. You can always assign talking points to avoid boredom of some members.

On the aspect of time don’t forget to account for time zones when scheduling meetings especially if the team members are in different parts of the world.

Technically, ensure that your internet connection and video meeting platform of choice is suitable for use in your country or area and test to avoid falls during the meeting.

2. Call Before time
With prior communication of the meeting, it is important for you not to assume that all members are ready for it.

Call members an hour before to remind them of the scheduled meeting. This will help them prepare if they were not and also you stand in a better position to offer any help in case they are experiencing problems on their end.

3. Use Headphones
Headphones will elevate your concentration during the meeting as they will minimize the background noise for you and the rest of the members.

If you do not have headphones ensure that you are at a place where there is minimal background noise like children playing, dogs barking or the sounds of moving vehicles to minimize noise distractions during the meeting.

4. Mind your Backdrop
Be aware of what is set behind you during the video meeting. It will be distracting if your background is full of paintings will flashy colors or has objects that are likely to raise eyebrows for other members.

Always go for backdrops that have warm and plain colors, with minimal well set props or a video platform that allows you to blur the background.

5. Dress Well
The idea of remote working or working from home may tempt you to show up in the video meeting in your most comfortable home clothes like pajamas, old faded t-shirt and for ladies a headscarf with an eyebrow missing face.

Remember this is an official meeting and you ought to dress the way you would like to be addressed.

6. Facial expression
Just like in a physical meeting your facial expression matter in a video meeting. Ensure that you wear a listening face to show respect to the one talking at any given time.

Keep your eyes on the one talking and constantly look at all members when you are addressing them.

7. Care for people
It is obvious that the video meeting is about business, but it does not always need to be all about business.

It is important especially in this coronavirus health crisis to seek and understand how the team is being impacted by the virus.