Services
Virtual Offices Virtual Office Features What is a Virtual Office? Full Time Spaces Live Receptionist Live Receptionist Features Auto Receptionist Live Web Chat Meeting Spaces Meeting Space Features Coworking Spaces Event Spaces Marketplace Incorporation Services Search Virtual Office Services Near Me
Video Conferencing at Home [Rules & Etiquette]
With the majority of industries relying on virtual meeting solutions these days, it’s important to keep some key video conferencing rules in mind.
Even if you haven’t experienced video meetings for work, school or life yet, you’ve at least seen social media shares from when it goes wrong. Maybe it’s an awkward screenshot or a viral clip of someone who, in the middle of a news segment, is interrupted by a child or pet, which throws everything off.
While it’s funny to watch other people struggle, there is a basic etiquette of video conferencing you can implement to avoid such mishaps. These video conferencing rules will ensure you put your best foot forward and present yourself as a professional, even if your virtual working setup isn’t as neat and tidy as you’d like it to be.
Here are some before, during and after video conferencing rules. For people well versed with audio conferencing calls, many of these tips will act as good etiquette reminders. Regardless of your experience level, these steps will allow you to put your best foot forward.
Before the call: test your tech ahead of time
There’s nothing worse than experiencing equipment issues when you’re supposed to be in a meeting. You can avoid technical glitches by installing the software and testing it ahead of time.
During the test here are a few things to verify.
• Make sure your microphone and video work properly
• Check your background and confirm it is work appropriate
• Ensure you’re happy with how your clothing and hair look on video
• This is also a good time to get your light right, adjust your camera frame settings and make sure your Internet connection is strong and stable
When you test your tech and settings ahead of time you won’t be caught unprepared.
During the call: practice the etiquette of video conferencing
While participating in a video call can be more casual than an in-person meeting, there are still a few best practices to follow. This allows you to demonstrate proper etiquette and respect to the other participants.
• Mute yourself when you’re not speaking
Your microphone can pick up background noises, which can be distracting to others. When possible, mute your mic. Just remember to unmute it when you want to speak.
• If you’re interrupted during your meeting, turn off your video
While it may not be possible to avoid family members or pets making an unexpected cameo, you can mitigate the distraction by turning off your video as soon as possible. Once you’ve resolved the interruption, reconnect your video.
• Be on time
Just like any other meeting, exhibit your professionalism by being on time, or early, to your video conferences.
• Stay engaged for the entire meeting
Even when you’re not speaking, avoid multi-tasking and continue looking into the camera. This will show your colleagues that you’re paying attention and listening to the conversation.
• Close any programs that may compete for bandwidth or memory
One of the biggest frustrations in any video conference call is when a feed becomes garbled or freezes. By closing all non-essential programs and documents, this allows your computer to focus all its processing power on your meeting.
• Have your documents ready ahead of time
If you need to share your screen during the call make sure to have pertinent documents open and organized and everything else closed.
• Be brief and avoid interrupting
When speaking during a call, keep your comments to the point and wait until a natural break in the conversation to speak up.
After the call: be a good guest
Once you sign off the video conference, review your notes and highlight any action items assigned to you. Commit to following through on them as soon as possible. If you enjoyed the call, reach out after the meeting and let the organizer or presenter know. This is both a good networking strategy and a polite thing to do.
Although there isn’t an official golden rule of video conferencing, it’s best to remember when you’re on video you’re visible to everyone even when you’re not speaking. Or as Hiscall, Inc. puts it, everyone can see you, all the time.
While virtual meetings may feel casual, they shouldn’t be treated as such. By following these simple video conferencing rules, you’ll come across as a competent professional, no matter your location.

Categories
- Business Marketing
- Business Resources
- Customer Success Stories
- Customer Success Stories: Communications
- Customer Success Stories: Meeting Rooms
- Customer Success Stories: Virtual Office
- Entrepreneur Tools
- Management
- Meeting Rooms
- Virtual News
- Virtual Office
- Virtual Receptionist Services
- Workplace Culture
Subscribe to Our Blog
Archive
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- June 2013
- April 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010