With most of Glasgow's
financial and business community now working from home, video
conferencing has become the new norm. The team at IFSD Glasgow has
conducted some research to help those less experienced get the most
out of video calling. Here are ten top tips.
-
Set up your camera at
eye level. This is where a pile of books or a cardboard box may
come in handy. Natural light works best. If you need illumination,
a desk lamp with a softly lit bulb, situated to the side, pointing
towards you, is recommended.
-
Keep the background
simple, clean and tidy. An attractive artwork on the wall behind
you could even work as an ice breaker. Just remember, not everyone
may appreciate your taste in art!
-
Test all the equipment
is working properly in advance of the call and ensure your device
is fully charged.
-
If you have others at
home with you during the working day, there could be additional
demands on your broadband line, so it may be a good time for those
around you to take a short break from gaming on line or Netflix. If
the wi-fi signal is weak, try connecting your device directly to
the router, if you still have an ethernet cable to
hand.
-
Dress appropriately.
Casual clothes are fine but don't wear anything you wouldn't wear
on a dress down day at the office.
-
Use headphones to
minimise background noise and use the mute button while you are not
talking. Just don't forget to switch back on when you want to make
a contribution.
-
If you can't make the
call or need to leave before the end, flag this up. It saves people
waiting for you or wondering why you've gone offline.
-
If it's a larger group
on line, then do say your name in advance of each contribution, so
everyone else knows who is talking.
-
Avoid multi-tasking
during the call. No web browsing, catching up on emails or checking
Twitter. And, so there's not a chorus of pings, dings, bells and
swooshes interrupting the call, turn off notifications on your
devices.
-
Look directly in to the
camera when you speak. Good posture conveys energy and enthusiasm.
Feel free to use hand gestures to emphasise a point. This conveys
passion and engagement. And, do smile regularly. It conveys
positivity and right now, we need as much positivity as we can
get.
Hope you find these tips
helpful. Happy video calling!