White Paper: Video conferencing best practices

Video conferencing technology has come a long way from its early days. You can now connect with participants across the globe or then, conduct a multi-party call from your tablet or smartphone. In these ways video conferencing has become extremely powerful.

However, video conferencing also has a very real human element and so, there are several things that individuals need to keep in mind when conducting a video call, in order to ensure its success. In this white paper, Lifesize talks about some very important video conferencing best practices.

1) Use a headset with a microphone: This works wonders when it comes to the audio quality on a video call. You can eliminate distracting and intrusive echoes and other participants can hear you more clearly. This is because the microphone is closer to your mouth than a USB or embedded webcam.

2) Make provisions for additional lighting: Your overhead light may not be able to provide enough illumination for your video call. You may need to make provisions for supplemental lighting so that you appear bright and clear during your call.

3) Avoid windows: Ensure that you are sitting with your back to a wall rather than a window. Windows provide a lot of natural light and this may negatively impact the quality of your video call. If the lighting is not right, you may look either too bright or too dark.

4) Eliminate distractions: Make sure that the room you use to make the video call is quiet, so that there are no distractions. Microphones on embedded or USB webcams are very sensitive and can immediately pick up on and magnify distracting background noises during a call.

5) Mute yourself during large, multi-party calls: If you are not using a headset, do mute your microphone during multi-party calls when you are not speaking. This will eliminate echoing and audio distortion.

6) Test audio and video quality before the actual call: Try testing all aspects of a video call beforehand. Many video systems offer a “local view” that you can see when you are dialed into a call. In this way, you can check your lighting and background.

Some important points:

“Remember not to turn your back to the screen(s) when you are talking to the rest of the group. The “far-enders” need to feel as close to being in the room as possible.”

“The mic or phone is generally placed on the desk, so try to refrain from pen tapping, shuffling papers or typing, as these sounds can be very loud for participants on the other end.”

“At the end of the meeting, make sure no one on the far end has any further comments or questions before everyone in the room gets up to leave.”

“Remember to always say good-bye to the on-screen participants as you would to anyone else before leaving a meeting. It’s just common courtesy!”

So, now you know what to do during a video conferencing call with a couple, or then, many participants. Do follow these best practices and ensure the right etiquette during a video call. Here’s to clear and comfortable video conferencing!

You can read this white paper by Lifesize to know more. For more information on how to set up smooth and seamless video conferencing for your home or business, contact Actis at 022-30808080 or at contact@actis.co.in.

(Content and images courtesy: www.lifesize.com)