“A Man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his Potrait” Goethe
Post Covid-19 the situation has changed, Virtual is the new norm. Be it online classes, meetings or interviews everything has become online.
More quickly we adapt to the changing scenario, better it is! Even when the situation gets better, some customs are going to stay. Video Call meetings are one of them! New practices come with new rules or etiquette. Let’s have a look over the etiquette brief and ace your next video call!
1. Test your Equipments
- Check your internet connection
- Check your hardware- microphone, camera, laptop etc.
Before going live, do check your equipments for proper functioning. Internet speed is important to prevent delays in the session.
2. Non Verbal
- Communicate with a nod and a smile.
- Keep the posture straight.
- Consider it as a meeting in person.
It’s easy to get comfortable at home but when you are at work especially on a video call, you need to consider it as a meeting in person. Keep your posture straight and communicate with a smile. The best part about a virtual session is you can see your expressions and posture in the camera. Make use of it and be at your best behavior.
3. Camera
- Frame it well.
- Place it parallel to the face.
- Look into the lens.
Proper positioning of the camera is important, check your background. Place it parallel to your face for best results. Make an eye contact by looking directly into the lens.
4. Background
- Sit in a well lit place.
- Choose a minimalistic Background.
- Wear colors that are contrasting the wall behind.
While on a video call you need to be seen. Sit in a well lit room where light is falling at you from the front. If you can get natural light that’s the best. Sitting besides a window with your back towards the window would make you look darker and may be not visible at all. Make sure appropriate light is falling on your face.
Choosing a minimalistic Background is essential as it may otherwise cause distractions. Next comes the color, wear colors that are contrasting to the wall behind. Or alternatively choose a white background instead. In case you don’t have a white wall at home you can also change the background of your video call. Depending on the platform that you are using (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet etc.), it allows you to change the background for your video calls.
5. Muti-tasking
- Do not check mails or messages.
- Eating or having drinks shows disinterest.
Multitasking is a big no no for video calling ,even when you are not speaking. So put your phone on silent and mute those push notifications until your meeting /session gets over.
6. Disturbance
- Keep microphone off when not speaking.
- Speak minimal and appropriate.
- Reduce the background noise.
It is good virtual etiquette to keep the microphone muted when not speaking. Speak whenever required, don’t go overboard. Reduce the background noise. You can sit in a dedicated place at home with closed doors and use noise cancellation microphones for best results.
7. Dressing
- Dress Appropriately.
- Wear appropriate clothing at least till waistline.
Looking sloppy can leave a bad impression. Do wear decent clothing. Dressing in your professional clothes not only leaves a good impression but also instills some confidence.
Hope these etiquette tips will come handy for your next virtual session/meeting/interview.
Authors: Namita & Garima Manocha (Personal Branding Coach & Life Skills Trainer)
