Video calls are becoming an increasingly popular way to communicate with colleagues, clients, and other professionals. They offer the convenience of being able to see the person you are speaking to, which can be helpful for complex conversations or when trying to build a personal relationship. However, making a great impression during a video call is not always easy, and different rules apply compared to meeting in person or on an audio call. Here are five tips that will help you nail your next video call!
The use of video calls has increased dramatically in recent years, with many people using them for work, personal catch-ups, and even to attend events such as concerts. This is largely due to the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections and affordable video calling platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and more.
Video calls offer many advantages over traditional phone calls or meeting in person. The main reason is that they can connect people much more easily, wherever in the world they may be. It means that collaborations and connections do not have to rely on physical proximity. Additionally, video calls provide a level of engagement that can be difficult to achieve with audio-only calls. Seeing the person you are speaking to can help build rapport, trust, and understanding. It also allows for non-verbal communication, which can be important in certain situations.
However, coming across well on a video call takes practice and understanding of the medium. So if you’re looking to nail your next video call, here are five need to know tips.
1. Control Your Environment
When you go onto a video call, it is crucial you are in a quiet and well-lit space. This one is important for two reasons. Firstly, you want to make sure the other people can hear you clearly and without any background noise. Secondly, you want to look professional and presentable, which is much harder to achieve if your environment is not well lit.
To control your environment, try to find a space in your house or office where there are minimal distractions and noise. If you’re using a laptop, make sure it is on a stable surface and at eye-level. And if possible, position yourself in front of a window with natural light. Make sure the backdrop to your call looks professional and clutter free too.Â
2. Use Presentation Tools
If you need to present some content on your video call, make sure you use the right tools. The most popular presentation tool is PowerPoint, which can be used to create engaging slideshows, and which integrates well with most video conferencing tools. If you’re not using PowerPoint, make sure you are familiar with the presentation tool you are using and that it is compatible with your video call platform. Make sure you know how to share your screen, and ensure there is nothing else up on your computer that you don’t want your audience to see. Close all unnecessary tabs and documents to ensure you only have what you need in sight.
Additionally, consider using an online teleprompter app. This can be helpful if you need to read from a script or prepared notes. It means you can keep your eyes on the camera and maintain eye contact with your audience, rather than looking down at your notes.
3. Dress The Part
One of the great things about video calls is that you can attend them from the comfort of your own home. However, just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should dress any differently to how you would for a regular work meeting. It is important to remember that first impressions still count on video calls, and what you wear can impact how you are perceived.
So dress as you would for a regular work meeting, in business casual or smart casual clothes. Avoid anything too revealing, overly casual, or that might be seen as a distraction. And make sure your clothes are well-fitted, not wrinkled, and that you are comfortable in what you are wearing.
4. Be Aware Of Your Body Language
Your body language is just as important on a video call as it is in person. If you want to come across as confident, engaging, and interested, make sure you are aware of your body language. Sit up straight, uncross your arms, and keep your hands visible. Avoid fidgeting, playing with your hair, or touching your face.
And remember to smile. Smiling conveys warmth, friendliness, and approachability, so make sure you smile often on your video call. If you’re finding it difficult to smile naturally, try thinking of something that makes you happy. This will help to relax your facial muscles and give you a more natural-looking smile.
Make sure you look engaged with what is going on in the call too, which could be nodding when you concur with what someone says.
5. Speak Clearly
When you’re on a video call, it is important to speak clearly. This means enunciating your words and not speaking too quickly. It can be easy to speak quickly when you’re nervous, so try and take a few deep breaths before you start speaking. This will help to slow down your heart rate and calm your nerves.
Additionally, try and avoid using filler words such as “um” or “like.” These words can make you sound unprofessional and uncertain. If you do use them, take a pause after you say them to give yourself time to think of what you want to say next.
Finally, remember to project your voice. This means speaking loudly enough so that everyone on the call can hear you. Test your audio before the call starts to make sure your microphone is working well and that your voice is coming through clearly. If you’re using headphones, make sure they are plugged in correctly and that the volume is turned up.
