In today’s digital era, video calls have become a go-to tool for both professional meetings and personal chats. Whether you’re collaborating on a project with colleagues or catching up with family members, live video calls allow us to connect in real time, regardless of physical distance. However, as much as video calls have made communication easier, they also come with their own set of etiquette rules. Mastering these can ensure your conversations remain productive, respectful, and enjoyable, whether they’re for business or social purposes.
Here are five essential video calling tips to keep your conversations smooth and effective.
1. Choose the Right Environment
The space you choose for a video call can set the tone for the entire conversation. A cluttered or noisy background can be distracting and might even cause embarrassment, especially in professional settings. Before you join a call, make sure to check your surroundings.
If possible, find a quiet, well-lit room where you can control the noise level. The lighting should be in front of you, not behind, to avoid a backlit effect that makes it hard for others to see your face clearly. If you’re using a video call app, many platforms even offer virtual backgrounds to hide any messy surroundings. However, be careful with these, as some virtual backgrounds can look unprofessional or be distracting.
In addition, make sure your camera is at eye level to maintain a natural, direct connection with the other participants. This will help you appear more engaged and professional during both online video calls and casual conversations.
2. Dress Appropriately for the Occasion
Whether you’re hopping on a work call or catching up with a friend, dressing appropriately is key to making a good impression. While it’s tempting to stay in comfy clothes when you’re working from home, remember that video calls still require you to put your best foot forward.
For professional online video calls, dress as you would if you were attending a meeting in person. This doesn’t necessarily mean a suit, but a clean, neat appearance is important. Avoid wearing overly casual clothing, like pajamas or gym wear, as it can send the wrong message about your seriousness and professionalism.
Even in personal conversations, dressing appropriately shows respect for the other person. While you don’t need to dress formally for a family video call, wearing something comfortable yet presentable helps create a positive atmosphere for the conversation.
3. Mute Yourself When Not Speaking
One of the biggest challenges of video calls is managing background noise. Whether it’s a barking dog, a busy street, or someone typing on their keyboard, background sounds can quickly become a distraction for everyone involved. To maintain a clear and uninterrupted conversation, always mute yourself when you’re not speaking.
This is particularly important in larger meetings or group live video calls. By muting yourself, you prevent unwanted noise from interrupting the flow of the conversation. If you need to contribute, simply unmute yourself, speak clearly, and then mute again after you’re done. This ensures everyone can focus on the conversation without distractions.
For personal calls, background noise might be less of an issue, but it’s still a good habit to mute yourself when you’re not talking. It’s a small action that can make a big difference in how pleasant and seamless the conversation feels.
4. Make Eye Contact and Stay Engaged
In face-to-face conversations, making eye contact is essential for building rapport and trust. The same principle applies during online video calls. However, it can be tricky since we often focus on the image of the person on the screen, which causes us to look away from the camera.
To make the conversation feel more natural, try to look at the camera instead of your own image on the screen when speaking. This will give the impression of making eye contact and help you appear more engaged. Although it may feel awkward at first, with practice, it will become second nature.
Also, be mindful of your body language. Sitting up straight and nodding occasionally to acknowledge what the other person is saying helps convey that you are actively listening and interested in the conversation. This is important for both professional video calls and personal chats, as it shows respect and attentiveness.
5. Be Mindful of Timing and Punctuality
Just as in face-to-face meetings, being punctual for a live video call is important. Showing up late for a meeting or call can be seen as disrespectful, especially in a professional setting. Make sure to log in a few minutes early to ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly.
If you’re hosting the call, try to stick to the scheduled time and keep the conversation on track. Respect everyone’s time by avoiding unnecessary delays or long-winded discussions. In personal calls, while it’s okay to be a little more flexible, always try to let the other person know if you’re running late.
Equally important is being considerate of how long the call lasts. While it’s tempting to keep chatting with friends or colleagues, especially in a casual setting, it’s important to be mindful of the time. If the call has gone on longer than expected, wrap up the conversation politely and schedule another time to continue.
Bonus Tip: Test Your Tech
Finally, before jumping into any online video call, it’s wise to test your equipment. This includes your camera, microphone, internet connection, and any other tech-related tools you’ll be using during the call. There’s nothing more frustrating than technical issues interrupting an important meeting or conversation.
If you’re using a video call app, make sure to familiarize yourself with its features. Know how to mute, share your screen, and use other relevant tools like the chat function or virtual backgrounds. The better prepared you are, the smoother the experience will be for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Video calling is here to stay, and mastering proper etiquette can ensure your conversations remain professional, smooth, and enjoyable. By following these five simple tips, you’ll not only enhance your communication skills but also strengthen your personal and professional relationships. Whether it’s a live video call for work or a quick catch-up with a friend, these small adjustments can make all the difference in the quality of your interactions.
Leave a Reply