Zoom has earned a bad rap. But it's not Zoom's fault.
Imagine this: Your company decides to hold an in-person business meeting. "Fine by me", you say. But when you show up...
"Oh gosh", you think. "I NEVER want to do that again." But were the problems caused by the in person format? Or poor manners?
People practice this kind of bad etiquette on Zoom ALL THE TIME. And it's ruining Zoom's reputation.
Something to think about: Our tendency could be not to take virtual conferences, meetings, or events as seriously as in-person events. But just because it's done virtually doesn't mean you should act any less professional.
Don't be "that guy". Here are 3 easily correctable mistakes that will improve the way you look and appear on Zoom.
You save a ton of travel and prep time getting ready for virtual meetings compared to in-person meetings. But you can easily take it too far by not spending ANY time getting ready AKA by adopting the 'all or nothing approach.'
What you can do: Instead of going from couch to computer, give yourself enough time to:
Studies have shown that simply dressing up for Zoom meetings "leads to improved performance, more focused attention, and higher levels of abstract, big-picture thinking."
While unique perspectives are interesting in photography, they NEVER improve someone's look on Zoom.
You want a straight on view where the camera is at equal level with your eyes.
Camera Angles to Avoid:
Lighting:
Good lighting is something that no one notices when it's good but everyone notices when it's bad. You want warm lighting to be in front of you and shine evenly across your face.
Perform a Quick Check:
The biggest solution to camera issues is awareness. Do a quick self-view before logging on.
There's a time and place for everything. We sometimes forget this when it comes to virtual events.
Even though the way they are delivered is different, their purpose is the same – to provide a professional environment where clients and co-workers collaborate.
Wait for the "Talking Stick"
Just as in a literal conference room you would be respectful of the one talking, we need to be careful on Zoom not to interrupt the person speaking.
What you can do:
Be Mindful of Your Camera View
We wouldn't bring a pet, our lunch, or anything else unprofessional into an in-person meeting. We want to keep the same mindset while attending a virtual event or meeting.
Virtual events can develop a bad rap when done incorrectly. Many of these frustrations stem from a lack of experience or knowledge.
The key is to treat virtual meetings with the same respect as you would an in-person event. Before your next virtual meetings, remind your team to follow these tips.
Virtual Velocity has been helping clients get the most out of going virtual for over 15 years. We know what the benefits are and exactly how to mitigate any challenges that pop up.
Are you curious whether your events should be in person, virtual, or both (hybrid)? Shoot us a quick message and we'll gladly help point you in the right direction.