In today’s challenging times, companies and organizations are increasingly using video calls to maintain connectivity and exchange. Connection problems, data protection issues and virtual coffee breaks influence this type of collaboration. Online meetings promote personal exchange, but still have some disadvantages. Basic rules help to overcome them.
Three advantages: efficient, connecting, flexible
Three disadvantages: feel, concentrate, structure
Top ten rules for online meetings
If you follow these ten rules, you are on the right track when it comes to online etiquette:
1. Preparation and structure: via video this is even more important for preparation, expectation and efficiency
2. Adhere to punctuality and times: appear on time and do not exceed the given (detailed) hours
3. Discipline: even if sound and/or video are switched off: eating, going away from the call, working in parallel is inattentive
4. Question of style: in the home office, you can also dress a bit more casual. Nevertheless, you are allowed to put on a shirt depending on the topic or the audience.
5. On/Off: especially for large groups – microphone mute when no speech is requested
6. Consideration: let each other speak out and ask for or pass on the word by a show of hands
7. Tidy: doors and windows closed, no mess in the background
8. Sound: headphones and microphone provide quality in transmission and reception
9. Picture: no backlight, good lighting conditions sharpen the picture, camera at eye level
10. Technology: stable web connection, good user knowledge of the tools (introduce!) and faultless hardware (see also points 8/9)
BBC.com also gives “Five tips to look best on video calls” and this wonderful home office moment from the same media house is going viral right now.
The current situation forces us to exchange at a distance, promotes digitalisation and new forms of work. It remains to be seen whether virtual meetings and cross-location coffee breaks will be cultivated in times when direct encounters are possible again. We are experienced now, know rules and tools – and can build on them.
Picture: zoom.us
More on this topic
Tips for successful video calls
Bernet.blog posts about this challenging spring
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