Zoom Calls – Steal the Show, or at Least Don’t Be an Idiot

<p>Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, whatever, video meetings and conference calls are
here to stay. The age-old curse of the endless meeting hasn’t gone away, it’s just
gone fully digital.</p><p>According to a survey done by GetVoIP who, admittedly, are a Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider, <a href="https://getvoip.com/blog/state-of-conferencing/">83% of employees claim
to spend a third of their week in meetings</a>, that’s a lot of time.
Additionally, during COVID, many companies recruited via video calls, many are
still doing so and recruitment firms make use of the software as a matter of
course, though getting the numbers on this is a fruitless task. </p><p>But, back to work, and that terrifying “third of a week” stat. If you’re
spending anything like that amount of time in video calls, firstly, I feel
sorry for you and, secondly, we’ve interviewed our team, pooled our ideas and interrogated
our HR department to come up with a list of do’s and don’ts that are sure to
elevate your Zoom game. So, read on <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/tag/remote-work/">remote workers</a> and
office slaves alike.</p><blockquote><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and more are coming to Apple’s Vision Pro at launch <a href="https://t.co/llndbhd1BA">https://t.co/llndbhd1BA</a></p>— The Verge (@verge) <a href="https://twitter.com/verge/status/1752768810170384515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote><p>How to be a Great VoIPer</p><p>Without further ado, here’s what to do, and what not to do, in your
daily call(s):</p><p>Tech Talk – Be the Virtuoso</p><p>So, you've ditched the conference room for a cozy space at home, or you’re
joining from your office desk. Bravo! But before you start broadcasting and fighting
over the departmental budget, or who’s been drinking your almond milk from the fridge,
do a tech check. Update your conferencing software, charge your laptop (or keep
the charger handy), test the camera, mic, and, oh, maybe look over that fancy
presentation you're about to unleash. The virtual stage is yours, but make sure
all your props are in working order.</p><p>Punctuality: The Golden Ticket</p><p>Time, as they say, is money. And that hasn't changed in the virtual realm.
Be fashionably early, check your tech in the grace period, and show everyone
you mean business. Late entries not only disrupt the flow but also scream,
"I've got better things to do."</p><blockquote><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Microsoft Teams crashes on a Friday afternoon <a href="https://t.co/QSVC0GieZx">pic.twitter.com/QSVC0GieZx</a></p>— Mike (@mikeiadevaia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikeiadevaia/status/1750951502858838399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote><p>Mute and the Art of Silence</p><p>A modern mic picks up a lot noise, never forget that. If you’re working
from home, then there also cats, dogs, doorbells and more. Long story short, if
you’re not talking, your colleagues don’t want to hear Mr. Snuffles coughing up
a hairball. Mute when you're not speaking, and for the love of collaboration,
silence those loud notifications. Your colleagues will thank you.</p><p>Dress to Impress (At Least from the Waist Up)</p><p>This is one for you homebodies: Working in your pajamas is a
pandemic-approved privilege that has remained in place until today. But
remember, video calls are your runway. Brush that hair, slap on a crisp shirt,
and make sure you're not the ghostly figure haunting the meeting. Dress not
just for success, but for that promotion <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/trending/fully-remote-workers-face-promotion-drought/">you'll
never get</a>. Joking, we’re joking.</p><p>Eyes on the Prize – Literally</p><p>Alright in the words of Madonna, “Vogue!” Look at the camera, not the
screen. Gaze into that little lens, not at your colleague's pixelated mug. Eye
contact, even through the lens, says, "I'm here, and I'm paying
attention." Connect through the webcam; it's the eye of the video
conferencing tiger.</p><p>No Multitasking, Please</p><p>It's tempting to fire off emails or play online chess during that
weekly catch-up. But resist the urge, you multitasking machine! It's rude, and
your distracted demeanor is as noticeable as a cat in a dog park. Focus on the
meeting, and save the multitasking until you’re talking to sales.</p><p>Lights, Camera, No Grain</p><p>Good lighting is the makeup of video calls – it makes you flawless and
men can do it, too. Too little light, and you're that weirdo in a dark alley.
Too much, and you're a deer in the spotlights. Find that sweet spot where your
face is radiant, not grainy. Take the time to set up your lighting; you're
worth the effort, darling.</p><p>Minimize the Circus</p><p>No one wants to see your dirty laundry – literally if you’re working
from home – or your desk clutter. Keep your background simple and plain, tidy
your desk, and get everything looking organized. Your colleagues don't need a
backstage pass to your life; keep it professional. Too messy? Just go for a blurred
background, nobody cares why you’re doing it.</p><p>Visuals for the Win</p><p>Visuals aren't just for show-and-tell; they're your secret weapon.
Share your screen, collaborate in real-time, and keep those meetings engaging.
Remember, they’re not just talking heads, they’re your colleagues and all this
would be much easier in person, but it’s not, so make do. But remember ….</p><p>Share, But Don't Overshare</p><p>Screen sharing is like letting people peek into your soul (or at least
your desktop). Confirm everyone's seeing what you're seeing, share only what's
necessary, and for the love of <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/terms/c/cybersecurity/">cybersecurity</a>, close those tabs, your life is all about <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/terms/f/forex/">forex</a>! Nobody wants to
discover your love of cat videos … or worse.</p><p>So, dear digital drones, as you embark on another day of virtual
conquest, keep these tips in your arsenal. Zoom forth, Skype on, and Google
Meet your destiny. Now, we’ve got a meeting IRL, time to button up our pants.</p><p>But, wait, is that the <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/trending/holographs-in-zoom-out/">next
big thing in video conferencing</a> just around the corner…</p>

This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.