Mastering Video Meetings: The 5 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid and 3 Etiquette Behaviors to Follow

Video meetings have become a staple of modern communication, and they’re here to stay. However, many people still struggle to master the art of video conferencing. Here are the five most common mistakes that people make during video meetings, along with the three etiquette behaviors to avoid.

1. Poor Lighting and Background

One of the most common mistakes people make during video meetings is poor lighting and background. If your lighting is poor, you’ll look washed out, and if your background is cluttered or distracting, it can take away from the focus of the meeting. Make sure you have good lighting, and choose a neutral background that won’t distract from the conversation.

2. Lack of Preparation

Another common mistake is not being prepared for the meeting. Make sure you’re familiar with the agenda and the purpose of the meeting beforehand. Test your equipment beforehand to make sure your audio and video are working correctly. Have any necessary documents or presentations ready to share during the meeting.

3. Interrupting and Talking Over Others

Talking over others is a common mistake during video meetings. It can be hard to read social cues during virtual meetings, so it’s important to be mindful of others and wait for them to finish speaking before chiming in. Use nonverbal cues like raising your hand or nodding to show that you have something to add.

4. Multitasking

Multitasking during a video meeting is another common mistake. It can be tempting to check your email or phone during a meeting, but this can be distracting and disrespectful to the other participants. Stay focused on the meeting and avoid multitasking.

5. Technical Difficulties

Technical difficulties are an unfortunate reality of video meetings. Common issues include poor audio or video quality, dropped calls, and slow internet speeds. Make sure you test your equipment beforehand and have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.

Now that we’ve covered the common mistakes let’s look at the etiquette behaviors to avoid during video meetings:

1. Eating or Drinking

It’s best to avoid eating or drinking during a video meeting. Chewing or slurping can be distracting and unprofessional. If you need to eat or drink, make sure to mute your microphone and turn off your camera.

2. Inappropriate Attire

Wearing inappropriate attire is another behavior to avoid during video meetings. Dress appropriately for the meeting, just as you would if it were in person. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, provocative, or casual.

3. Side Conversations

Finally, it’s important to avoid having side conversations during video meetings. These can be distracting and disrespectful to the other participants. If you need to have a side conversation, step away from the meeting and return when you’re finished.

In conclusion, video meetings are an essential part of modern communication, but they require a different set of skills and etiquette than in-person meetings. Avoid the common mistakes of poor lighting and background, lack of preparation, interrupting and talking over others, multitasking, and technical difficulties. And remember to avoid eating or drinking, inappropriate attire, and side conversations. By following these guidelines, you’ll have more productive and successful video meetings.

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