Proper etiquette during a video conference

Communication is an important aspect of every relationship, whether personal or business. For a healthy well-balanced relationship, you need effective and adequate means of communication. This explains the importance of video conference calls especially for businesses that have offsite clients, partners, and team members.

A lot of businesses utilize video conferences to cut down on costs that are often spent on business trips. Aside from this, a video conference will allow you to communicate with your team or your clients anytime and anywhere. You can easily invite several people in several different locations to a video conference call. A major advantage of a video conference over an audio conference is the visual that it provides you, allowing you to see the people that you are talking to.

However, some people tend to forget their manners and the proper etiquette during a video conference. You should keep in mind that a video conference should be treated like any other business meeting. Below are some of the usual dos and don’ts during a video conference.

• Dress appropriately. Even if you are working from home, it does not mean that you should attend a video conference in your pajamas or house clothes. Dress as if you are attending the meeting in person. Depending on the particular culture in your company, regular business attire should be sufficient.
• Be punctual. It is irresponsible and impolite to be late for a meeting and this applies to a video conference. Clarify what time the conference is scheduled and make sure you are ready and prepared a few minutes before the scheduled time.
• Keep mobile devices to silent mode. Every visual and audio in your immediate environment can be easily transmitted in a video conference. This means that a ringing mobile phone will also be easily heard by others. Keep all your mobile devices to silent mode and do not use them at all during the video conference.
• Be attentive. Talk to other people in the video conference as if you are talking to them face to face. This means that you should speak clearly while keeping eye contact with them.  Do not get too close to the camera and avoid unnecessary noises.

About the Author:
Aggie Aviso is a freelance consumer and business writer. The Conference Group delivers the audio, web and video conferencing solutions your business needs to succeed. For more information about becoming a guest blogger on Create Business Growth, click here.

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