Tips for a Better Video Conference Meeting

As far as business goes, video conferencing is still a relatively new technology for communication. Those who use video conferencing can find that they have trouble knowing when to talk, where to look at, and how to act when in front of a video camera. Video conferencing is a technology that many of us in the business world are still trying to adapt ourselves to. However, the lower cost and convenience of video conferencing will mean that business will be using this technology for some time. The following are video conferencing tips to help make your next business meeting a successful one.

How to Behave During a Video Conference

What many people forget is that video conferencing is not like combining talking on the phone and meeting in person. Video conferencing is different and therefore has different rules of behavior. Remember that even though you may not be speaking, the other members in the video conference are watching you. People tend to forget that even if they are not talking, they are being watched. Also, you need to take into consideration that your video conference could include several different sites; therefore you are multiplying your presence by many people. To save yourself embarrassment, follow these simple rules:

• · When on a video conference call and not speaking, focus your eyes to the screen.
• · When you are speaking, focus your eyes on the camera. Not looking at the camera when speaking makes you look like you are staring away and lying to them.
• · Sit up straight, smile and look interested in what is being said.
• · Try to avoid wearing striped clothing as it can cause a strobe effect for the others on the video conference call.
• · And lastly, avoid eating, gum chewing, and smoking while on your call.

The Video Conference Room

Most people don't put enough thought into the room where they are going to conduct their video conference meeting. Take a quick look before the meeting and set the camera up to show you what your room will look like to others. Clean up a bit, clutter in the room distracts from the meeting. Remove unnecessary papers, food, or items that will take the focus away from you and what you have to say. Check the background behind where you are sitting and make sure that any foot traffic is behind the camera and not in front of it. The video conference call is not difficult to master as long as you remember to verify what the camera sees and what others will be seeing.