If it wasn't before then it is now! Video conferencing has exploded during these WFH times with popular site Zoom reporting 300% increase in usage. Other platforms like Microsoft Teams and Skype all have increased significantly with MS Teams also expanding their TV commercial time to promote their service. There are some necessary areas of attention to ensure you and your team are getting the most out of every video conference and avoiding the dreaded nostril calls.
So, without further adieu, here are my personal, very own, subjective top six tips for your next video conference:
1. Move the computer back. Some research reports are showing that having the camera too close to the face has a negative impact on the conversation. I suggest making sure you can see some of your chest and shoulders in the frame. Frame your video prior to the call.
2. Consider your background. Sure that news anchor giving her presentation didn't do this so the viewers caught her husband showering in the background. Consider having a plain background if you can and NOT in front of a window. You do not want to be back-lit on video which will make your image dark or black. Now, I'm not telling you to dress your background with anything but a diploma or trophy wouldn't hurt. Nicely framed pictures of race cars work well. You know who you are!
3. Use a computer not your phone. I've had two conferences lately with people using their phone with Teams and I was looking up their nostrils the entire time. When I went to share my screen with them they also did not have a great user experience since the images were very small.
4. Elevate your computer 3-6 inches so this will help your viewer again avoid looking up your nostrils. I think this is the most common snafu with video conferencing. The camera on the computer is on a desk below the persons head which leads to a direct shot up the nose. The best practice would be to move the computer back 6 to 20 inches and elevate it to eye level.
5. Begin any conference with multiple people by asking them to mute their microphone if they aren't speaking. This will ensure avoiding external noise.
6. Test your equipment. Ensure your internet has good speed and you know how to function the platform well before your scheduled call.
There you have it. Avoid the nostril calls and you'll be good to go to make your call a success.
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