4 Ways Not to Be Ignored on Video Calls
The COVID-related restrictions on travel and in-person
gatherings have reshaped how we work and communicate. Most of our meetings, whether routine or high
stakes, are now done remotely via videoconferencing tools such as Zoom, WebEx,
GoTo Meeting, etc.
In addition to the technical challenges (need for special
equipment and more bandwidth) and personal challenges (dealing with school from
home, lack of daycare and the need for a quiet space) that videoconferencing
entails, it also can be difficult to stand out and be noticed on video calls.
Here are 4 tips for making sure you’re not ignored on your next video call, especially if it’s a very important one:
1. Turn your video camera on
Yes, I know this can present challenges: video means you
have to cordon off a quiet, private space in your home to take the call, corral
your kids and pets safely in another space, clean up your background, take time
for extra grooming (hair, makeup, shaving) and deal with the extra bandwidth
pressure. However, if you want to be
noticed, you must be able to be seen, literally.
Zoom even has an option to “Hide non-video participants.” Is that what you want other people on the call (leaders, peers, direct reports, clients) to do to you – “hide” you? If not, turn the camera on and be seen.
2. Make sure your on-camera presence matches the
image you are trying to portray
In addition to appropriate grooming and dress, also make
sure that you have good lighting so your face can be clearly seen with minimal
shadow and glare. Position your camera
at or slightly above eye level so you can make “virtual eye contact with
others, rather than looking upwards or downwards at them. Test your microphone (internal or external)
to make sure it carries your voice clearly.
You don’t have to remodel your house, but makes sure your
background is appropriate and not distracting (and remember that virtual
backgrounds don’t always work well without a green screen). In a pinch, use a room divider, or a clean,
unwrinkled solid color sheet as a background.
Also be aware of your on-camera non-verbals which get accentuated when everyone can see you on their screen. Smile, nod in understanding and look into the camera, rather than looking off into space while thinking or poring over the notes on your desk.
3. Prepare so you can speak up
Being seen on video calls is not enough. You also have to be heard. Prepare for the meeting ahead of time by
thinking about the topic and the presenters, looking at the agenda, etc. You can even draft relevant questions to ask
or comments to make, which you can adjust as needed during the meeting. Your preparation will make it easier for you
to speak up or participate in the chat, rather than trying to come up with
something in the moment.
If there is no opportunity to participate live, consider
developing your comments/questions into a follow-up email to the organizer or
one of the speakers.
And if you are presenting during the meeting, you must prepare ahead of time and practice on camera.
4. Show up early and stay late
If possible, log onto the meeting early. Not only does this allow you to test
everything so you don’t get derailed by technical issues, you also may be able
to talk or chat with other attendees or presenters, depending on how big the
meeting is. This informal conversation
mimics what you would do at in-person meetings.
While sometimes you are stuck in a virtual waiting room, often there is that “dead time” when everyone has been admitted to the meeting, but it hasn’t officially started, when you can connect with others.
And don’t be the first to log off. As other attendees drop off, you may have a
chance to participate in a conversation with a smaller group of people.
If you follow these 4 tips, you can make sure
that your voice is heard and you are noticed, even on video calls.