In these times, videoconferencing has been implemented as an effective tool to communicate both personally and professionally. Although it is true that there are still many who are not getting used to it, since using the right technology is a bit difficult for them.
Do you usually work from home or in an office? Regardless of where you work, video conferencing tools have become an opportunity to facilitate the management of the company in the cloud.
Engaging in a virtual conversation to approach positions with clients and partners, or dialogue with your team, is and will become a daily task.
If you are still getting used to these virtual encounters, let us tell you that there are some recommendations to achieve effective communication and, thus, make your video conferences a success (even if you have children climbing on top of you or your cat requiring your attention).
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Tips and tools for effective video conferencing
So that your meetings are productive and there is effective communication, in addition to our tips for working from home, we recommend that you follow these recommendations before and during your video conferences:
Recommendations before the videoconference:
➽ Choose the right setting
Choosing the right place is important to convey seriousness and clarity to the scene. On the one hand, it is convenient to choose an empty wall or, if you prefer, you can show a diploma or title, you can also shuffle it.
On the other hand, study the natural light that enters and avoid windows from where too much light enters because it will look dark.
In case of having to use artificial light, it is better that the bulbs are white or fluorescent to avoid shadows.
➽ Pre-test your camera and audio
Verify that your camera captures a quality image. To do this, avoid putting the device against the light, otherwise the other participants will not be able to distinguish your body expression well.
In addition to the camera, audio is also important. Therefore, we advise you to try it before starting the videoconference.
Ah! And for better quality audio, and for participants to hear you clearly and noiselessly, go for a headband headset with a built-in mic.
➽ Make sure there is an Internet connection
Finally, and although it seems obvious, something that many do not check is the correct Internet connection. Obviously, without the Internet or with network failures, the video conference will be cut and will not be effective.
Recommendations during the video conference:
➽ Maintain visual contact with the interlocutor
Before selecting your video conferencing tool, it’s important to keep these two things in mind:
- When you go to speak, look at the camera.
- When you listen, look at the screen.
➽ Avoid multitasking
Just like in a face-to-face meeting, you are in a room paying attention to what happens there, the same dynamic, serious and professional, you have to continue in a virtual meeting.
Also, when someone is in a video conference and the rest hear a click, the sound of leaves or WhatsApp, it is very annoying and distracting.
➽ Take care of your tone and language
Even if someone does not speak at a certain time, it does not mean that they should not maintain a correct posture.
Remember that body expression sometimes expresses much more than words. So be careful, behave yourself and show interest in what the rest debate.
➽ Be precise
On the other hand, language is also important. Also, keep in mind that meetings that last two or three hours are not productive and end up burning participants.
Use clear and concise messages to directly express the relevant topic at hand.
Therefore, if you are the one who has organized it, set limits and follow some guidelines to express everything you need in a time that you previously establish.
The best tools for video conferencing
Using the right technology to conduct remote meetings is key for the meeting to run efficiently. But before so many tools for videoconferences available, which one to opt for?
Top tools for video conferencing:
- Hangouts: You just need a Gmail account to make free video conferences. For calls, up to 25 people can join and up to 150 participants to chat.
- Skype: Very similar to the previous one, since up to 25 people can connect to the video call for free. If you are going to call someone who does not have a Skype account, you will have to pay.
- Zoom: It offers more advanced functions than the previous ones, since it allows up to a thousand participants with payment plans, to share your screen and to schedule the videoconference, among others. Have a free trial when you sign up.
- GoToMeeting: Its version for beginners has room for 10 participants, while other plans can connect up to 150 and 250 users, depending on the plan you choose. The great advantage of this is that you can record the conferences.
- Jitsi: It is an open source program, very intuitive to use. And it highlights the option of the simultaneous screen view to display your presentations. It also has a chat on the side to share files or send messages quickly.
CONCLUSIONS:
Virtual meetings should not be differentiated in terms of professionalism and relevance for a company or business. Therefore, we must work to make communication effective and the meeting to be productive for all participants.
In this post we have seen some recommendations for before and during, as well as the list of top tools for videoconferences that will help you adapt your work or professional activity to the digital medium.
Do you usually have videoconferences with your clients, bosses or coworkers? What other tools do you know and would you recommend us for these times?
