Etiquette tips on how to utilize videoconferencing most effectively

Make Your Best Impression Blog   ·   May 2, 2009

When thinking of this subject, I sought an expert in the field to help us highlight some tips for success.

Businesses are beginning to do what they do in completely new ways in order to adjust to the challenges of the current economy.  Gone, at least for now, are the days of deep expense accounts, unquestioned travel and frivolous overhead expenses.  Many tools that companies have always turned to are being utilized even more in this new economy.  For example, as companies continue to slash travel budgets, eliminating all but only absolutely necessary trips, videoconferencing usage has risen dramatically.  In fact, according to Regus, the world’s leading workplace solutions and videoconferencing provider, it’s videoconference services have seen a 40 percent increase so far in 2009.

Because delivering new business presentations, conducting team meetings and interviewing job candidates for positions via videoconferencing is different from being live and in-person, Sande Golgart, videoconferencing expert with Regus offers the following quick etiquette tips on how to utilize videoconferencing most effectively:

§  Dress to Impress – Think of television personalities. Remember, the camera can add a few pounds!  Solid, mid-tone colors are most flattering and give the best impression.

§  Houston, We Have a Problem– Sounds simple, but make sure you know how to connect your PC, so you’re not trying to connect it during the videoconference.

§  Be a Natural – Today’s technology easily picks up on normal conversational voice levels so there’s no need to speak loudly.

§  Make a Mute Point – Use the audio-mute button especially when you need to have a private discussion with colleagues in the same room or if you need to simply move coffee cups or papers around – tabletop microphones are especially good at picking up every sound.

§  Less Is More – Keep the setting behind participants simple so as not to distract viewers from what’s important – the person who is talking.

§  Over and Out –Turn off the microphone and power when the videoconference is complete – many embarrassing moments have been caused where participants forgot to hit the off or disconnect switch! 

Remember the perception camera is always rolling and although convenient video conferencing has it’s one set of challenges. Practice these tips and you will be well on your way to mastering this form of business meeting.

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