Lights, camera, video call!
Whether you’re catching up with colleagues, pitching to a new client or hosting a team meeting, video calls have become a big part of our everyday working life. But how do you make sure you come across professionally, keep people engaged and avoid those awkward technical hiccups?
Stress no more! Here at DreamingFish, we’ve put together our top tips to help you get the most out of your next video call or virtual meeting. Check out our explainer video below:
Top 5 tips
1. Check your setup
Before joining a call, take a moment to check your camera, microphone and internet connection. Make sure your camera is positioned at eye level and your face is clearly visible. Natural light works wonders, so if possible, sit facing a window rather than having bright light behind you.
2. Find the right background
You don’t need a professional studio to look the part! A tidy, uncluttered background helps keep the focus on you and what you’re saying. If you’re working from home, find a quiet spot where you’re unlikely to be interrupted.
3. Look and sound your best
You don’t need to dress formally for every meeting, but looking presentable can help you feel more confident. Speak clearly, look towards your camera when talking and remember that your body language and facial expressions are just as important online as they are in person.
4. Be prepared
Similarly to a face-to-face meeting, preparation is key. Have any documents, presentations or notes ready before you join, and make sure you know what you want to get out of the meeting. Preparation can go a long way!
5. Stay engaged
It’s easy to get distracted when you’re sitting in front of a screen. Close unnecessary tabs, silence notifications and give the meeting your full attention. If you’re hosting, encourage everyone to contribute and leave time for questions to keep things interactive.
6. Don’t forget the basics!
Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking, especially during larger meetings, to avoid background noise. Try to join a few minutes early, and if something goes wrong, don’t panic! Technical glitches happen to everyone.
