Zoom etiquette: You’ve probably broken at least one of these video chat rules

With Corona virus Locks and quarantines It is still the case in most states. Many of us use video chat as the main way to stay in touch with colleagues, family members and friends. Whether you use Zoom, SkypeFaceTime Google Meet or Hangouts, Microsoft teams or one of the others Video chat services available, you’ve probably noticed some distracting video chat behaviors from colleagues and friends who took your calls off the rails.

Here are six ways you can accidentally ruin your video chats and meetings and how you can avoid them.

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Tap or otherwise be loud when you are not muted

In my experience, this is the most common problem – especially when calling in large groups.

There is always someone who forgets to mute, and suddenly the whole group is bombarded by loud typing noises, a running microwave, a barking dog or a screaming child. Of course, everyone is part of working from home. But it’s all the more reason to keep silent when you don’t have to speak.

Not only does mute distract you in general, but is also disrespectful to the person trying to convey a point. Fortunately, Zoom has a handy trick you can use to avoid being that person: automatically mute your audio by walking Settings> Audio> Mute microphone. To quickly unmute when needed, just hold down the spacebar.

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Eat, drink or smoke

Especially with smaller group calls, eating, drinking or smoking during a video meeting is a big distraction – even more so than it would be in the office, since everything is laser-focused on your face. Try to follow the same rules that you would apply to a face-to-face meeting.

One caveat: Some people may be in consecutive video conferences all day without having time to eat or drink coffee. In this case, it is perfectly fine to make an exception if it is a more casual meeting. In smaller meetings, it would be considerate to ask if the group disagrees, or to explain that you haven’t had a sip of water for hours.

Consider your phone or laptop

Just because you are at home does not mean that not everyone can see you staring at your phone instead of watching the video meeting. Hold your phone to the side and flip it over so you aren’t tempted to take a look. A look from the camera at other content on your laptop or monitor is also fairly obvious and not the best look for anyone to look out for. Minimize other tabs and focus on the meeting.

In a smaller meeting, it’s polite to explain why you look so focused outside of the camera. In a larger meeting, consider turning the video off if you can’t pay full attention to the speaker.

Continue reading: 5 ways to make video conferencing a little less cumbersome by a Google expert

Leave the frame without explaining why

If for some reason you need to get up from a meeting – to go to the bathroom, have a drink, or take care of a child or pet – you should give the other a hint, if you can, either verbally or via chat included many of these apps. That way, it doesn’t look like you disappeared for no reason. Otherwise, it is better to hold one finger up to display “1 minute” and turn the video camera off until you return to the ongoing call.

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Hold the camera at a strange angle

Webcams can be difficult – you may think your laptop is in a good position on your desk or kitchen table, but all your video chat companions notice that they can see your nostrils. Avoid this fate by leaning your laptop on some books or investing in a small stand so that your camera is at eye level or even pointing down (more tips below). This way, the angle doesn’t take anything away from what you have to say.

Find out the technology while you are on the phone

Teleworking and the use of video conferencing services to host meetings and presentations definitely offer a learning curve. However, if you want to do something that you haven’t done before – such as sharing your screen or playing audio – do a test run with a colleague or family member first so you don’t fiddle around and waste time on the call. In this way you look more professional and ensure a smooth process.

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How to have better video chats

It’s not all bad news: there are many tactics you can use to ensure that you contribute well to your video chats and conference calls Make the whole thing less strange with video conferencing general. Here are three things to try:

• Look and sound good online by following some simple ones Tips and tricks for the webcam, including the use of headphones and microphones where possible and attention to lighting.
• Look carefully: Video chats mean that we lose a lot of social and visual references to personal conversations, such as: B. someone who leans forward and wants to interfere with his thoughts. To actively listen and show that you are engaged, nod and smile as someone speaks.
• Practice active listening: Don’t be silenced when chatting in smaller groups (and if you’re not typing, eating, or otherwise making a lot of extra noise) to give verbal feedback (such as “mmhmm” and “OK”) and to show active listening. In larger meetings, you can try to slow down to avoid accidental interruptions and give people time to throw in if necessary.

For more help with your video chats, go to Tips for using zoom like a pro, and How to change your background on zoom and Microsoft teams.