9 ways to improve your video calls during the lockdown

Small things you neglect during zoom calls may be ruining your reputation. Let's have a look at the top 9 protocol recommendations on video calls:

1- Connect in advance

We value punctuality offline. Cold online is no exception. Try to connect 10 minutes before the official start to check your microphone and video. Use this moment to greet other participants who have already joined the meeting. Remember, being late is a significant reputational risk.

(c) Twitter Boris Johnson

2- Neutral background

Keeping the attention of colleagues online is a big challenge. Avoid distractions and opt for a neutral background and good lighting. Otherwise, colleagues will inevitably analyze your interior design and your family members who accidentally walk into the room.

(c) ABC news

Video conferencing platforms offer a variety of backgrounds; however, now that we are all locked up in our apartments, strange backgrounds may look unprofessional.

(c) background image advertising zoom

3- Your eyes, please

Set up your camera so that people who joined the video call could see your eyes.

(c) Resource Media

And do not sit in the darkness; you are not in the Anonymous video call.

(c) Almatura

4- Mute the microphone

Put a sticker with this important reminder from the European Council meetings on your desktop. Even the most experienced virtual speakers sometimes forget about this critical element.

(c) Twitter of the Council of Europe

5- Check your audio before going live

Choose a quiet room and use a noise-canceling microphone. Of course, if it is possible. If you can't exclude external noise, inform the call host in advance.

(c) Studiome

If you use a smartphone for video calls, don't forget about earphones; otherwise, your colleagues will hear all your notifications. You don't want to annoy everyone in these difficult days, do you?

6- Keep your dressing simple and practical

No one works in a suit from home. Formal suits, heavy makeup, and excessive accessories look as unprofessional in the context of a home office as pajamas. If you don't want to look ridiculous, choose a casual Friday outfit.

(c) Pinterest

7- Don't be distracted by a smartphone

We don't put our smartphones on the table at lunch/dinner/coffee. This rule remains relevant for online communication too. Don't be a slave to the phone: don't check your mail, don't chat in messengers, enjoy the moment, and try to communicate with the connected world of the video call.

(c) Science Photo Library

8- Children and pets could be an ice-breaker

Yes, your children or animals may enter the room. Don't hide them. You will anyway look distracted, so use their presence as an ice-breaker. But don't forget about common sense and limit their presence: we don't want to steal anybody's time.

(c) Slate.com

9- Don't use the hype over the pandemic

During these difficult times, let's be ethical. Don't spread panic or emphasize the fact of your isolation. The President of Lombardy made this mistake, and his ratings have fallen significantly.

(c) Monza Today

I am sure that you are already observing these rules, and your online reputation remains at its best. Stay home, stay safe.