# What tips and tricks do you have for people new to video conferencing? I recently was transferred to remote work and am using a video conferencing tool for the first time. I'd love to get an idea of how others who have more experience with this kind of thing. Any tips/tricks/advice is much appreciated. Thanks! ##### Post Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Net upvotes: 1 ## Comments ### Comment 1 Make sure to mute your video and audio if you are going to eat during the meeting. No one wants to watch you chew. :-) ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: IT Automation Specialist at Casey Family Programs - Net upvotes: 3 ### Comment 2 Test your mic and video before you have a "real" meeting so that you can troubleshoot any AV problems before you're trying to connect with a person in a critical moment. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Senior Manager, User Acquisition & Engagement - Net upvotes: 4 ### Comment 3 It's useful to be able to quickly toggle the mute and video on/off buttons. Best practice is to generally be on mute when you are not speaking in case of a disruption from your home/office or any background noise that is present such as air conditioning. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Cloud Consultant - Net upvotes: 2 ### Comment 4 Get a gamer headset. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Matching top performers with fantastic opportunities in Accounting, Chemical Engineering and Software Development. - Net upvotes: 2 ### Comment 5 Zoom is easier for me than Skype and I think the technology is "clearer". There are a few hints... 1) if more than one person is logged in on the room you will get feedback - to be sure to distance yourselves to avoid that. 2) Position yourself back from the computer vs. really close. We don't need to see the pores on your face. 3) Check mic and camera before you go on 4) If you are the host, set up a fake meeting to practice and check your technology. Good luck and welcome to the "new age"! ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Psychologist | Educator | Owner of Louise Sattler Creative | Media Specialist | Film Producer - Net upvotes: 1 ### Comment 6 I have used Skype and Zoom, both from my computer and my phone. Make sure your mic is muted unless you are doing most of the talking. Make sure the spouse and kids know not to enter the room, and all pets are removed. If you have a land line phone, or are on your computer, make sure to turn off the ringer on any phones you have. If you are using your computer make sure that you do not type anything during the meeting, everyone will hear all your keystrokes. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Senior Data Reporting Analyst at Highmark Health - Net upvotes: 1 ### Comment 7 Make sure you have a plain background: too much movement or "nick-knacks" in the background can be very distracting for your viewers. Have natural lighting on your face. Be cautious of your posture. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Project Engineer • Construction Management • Entrepreneur • Husband • Father - Net upvotes: 1 ### Comment 8 My team has used Vid Conferecing for the past 2 yrs. We have used Zoom since August 2019. Zoom is so easy. My advise: test audio/video before conference. Nothing like holding up your team while you troubleshoot the problem. Check your background or try the Zoom "green screens" . If you have a cat, move them to another room and close door. The cat will come when you are talking and walk on keyboard. Also close door if you have dogs, they always tend to bark during a conf call. It took me a few calls to get used to it, what works for me is not to focus on you, look at the other people on call while you are talking. Last one, don't forget its a video call, look prepared, check your hair and shirt :) ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: IT Support Professional ### Comment 9 Gain practical experience with the solution you have selected. In particular, quality of videos and audio should be fine. Also pay attention to the ease of use and system requirements for both you and your attendees. Take care of what you have to install on your computer to enter a conference. Try to use services from other providers as well (many offer free accounts these days) to experience which solution fits best. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Independent seminars and consulting ### Comment 10 I am a TOTAL fan of Zoom! Easy to use, clear video and audio, and you can even record your sessions for us to 40 minutes. You can parse in to "Zoom rooms" if you have a lot of people. You can "chat" in the chat box below, share your screen and so much more. Try it yourself and see! ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Immigration Specialist @Ivalua | Editor| Ethnographer | Immigration Practitioner ### Comment 11 You will need others to help you with how but I can help with WOW!! It has enabled me to go to local, regional and world conferences of great importance to me personally and more importantly potentially critical importance for humanity and the world. I look forward when I will be able to ZOOM or otherwise discuss the message I sent to our Australian Prime Minister earlier this morning which I copy below if that is possible: Dear potential "Strong voice for mankind," Thank you again for your strong leadership particularly in the last week as you took bold steps which from some points of view could be called "crazy". As a former professional and community innovative leader in Cook (1950 to 2001 off and on) who has been called "crazy" numerous times, I have some special empathy. The Coronavirus event has been called "war". For the most obvious time in my life, all mankind is on the same side in this war so it is not them and us, it's just us! I hasten to quote from a recent excellent Central Coast Council Workshop keynote speaker, CRAZY MIGHT WORK, see crazymightwork.com. As a top Economics LEAVING CERTIFICATE scholar in 1949, I must admit I have no significant understanding of the issues in national/world economics today, AND ... It is time for a bold affirmation and action toward a peaceful world which may free up the almost incomprehensible finance needed to get over the Coronavirus issue. It has long been recognised that the money spent on armaments and conflict preparation and action could solve the worlds poverty/health/quality of life needs. You may consider taking first steps toward the "Peace on Earth" which is a universal want but sadly expressed by only a few with fewer willing to take action generally believing it is an impossible as well as elusive dream. I have a different point of view. I am happy to communicate in any of the countless ways available to us today to give further details or assistance in my 87th year in this matter. Yours thankfully, sincerely and urgently, John John Hegarty02 4323 7714Unit 412 Henry Kendall Gardens150 Maidens Brush RdWyoming  NSW 22507este7@gmail.com John Hegarty, BASyd) MEd(Syd) GradDipCounselling(CSU) *MWCAA(Life member) **MAPACS(Emeritus member) ***WC *MWCAA Member WORLD CITIZENS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA**MAPACS MEMBER AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS AND COUNSELLORS ASSOCIATION*** Self proclaimed WORLD CITIZEN as well as a proud and active Australian Citizen PS I share your concern that using the term World Citizen can detract from our Australian Citizen privileges and responsibilities but careful language use could resolve that issue I believe. PS2 For the second time in my life, professionals have told me that "The world needs people like you." First was after three months of monthly counselling sessions with two psychiatrists at Caringbah Hospital (which was built by my Uncle and where our three amazing children were born), the second was last Wednesday by my excellent GP. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Voluntary project coordinator at world citizens Association Australia Toward peace and goodwill from all to all. ### Comment 12 I love Zoom! It does take a little while to discover and use all of the features. But it's a great alternative to meeting face to face. I suggest launching it with no audience the first time to practice using it. Or, invite a friend to practice before going public. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Forbes Coaches Council | Marketing Strategist | Author | Speaker | Coach helps entrepreneurs get clients, execs lead teams & all prosper. ### Comment 13 I have been using zoom for about 2 years. Once you get used to setting up and your audience set up it is a very good tool. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Marriage and Family Therapist at Herrem Consulting ### Comment 14 I actually posted about this on my LinkedIn page yesterday. I have worked from home since 2011. Pro-tips for having awesome, at-home conference calls! ● Don't use your laptop's built-in mic. 💻 Even if you have an amazing laptop, the audio quality is pretty awful. Especially if there's even slight background noise, it makes recordings more difficult to listen to. ● Speaking of mute, definitely do it for larger calls. 🔇Familiarize yourself on where that on-screen button is located and the keyboard hotkey (it's the spacebar for Zoom Video Communications when you want to be unmuted to talk) ● Utilize lamps or natural light for when you are on webcam because no one likes staring at your silhouette. 💡 I often pull down the blinds on the window that is behind me. ● Show off your pets! 🐶🐱 Most people like seeing your dog or cat, especially if you are on a smaller team call. I think it's a nice way to keep social with your colleagues when working apart. ● Silence your phone. 📴 I'm part of many group texts and I never know when I'm going to get blown up with messages - I don't need everyone to hear that when I'm speaking. It also helps you, you know, focus on your conference call! ● Schedule your meetings with time to take a bio-break or grab a snack in between. Your bladder and belly will thank you. 🥨 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/faadia_workfromhome-remotework-conferencecalls-activity-6646126098881003520-PA-l ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Global Learning & Education Leader at Genesys ### Comment 15 I worked remotely for several years. A good videoconferencing tool that allows your whole team to meet, see one another and share screens is very valuable. Meetings need to be well prepared as always, with a clear set of objectives and relevant documents distributed in advance. Meeting etiquette is very important. The person leading the meeting needs to be proficient with the videoconferencing features. ##### Comment Metadata - Posted at: over 6 years ago - Author title: Recently retired but open to interesting opportunities ## Related discussions - [How well does Trello scale into a larger team?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/1-how-well-does-trello-scale-into-a-larger-team) - Posted at: about 13 years ago - Comments: 6 - [Can we please add a new section](https://www.g2.com/discussions/2-can-we-please-add-a-new-section) - Posted at: about 13 years ago - Comments: 0 - [Quantifiable benefits from implementing your CRM](https://www.g2.com/discussions/quantifiable-benefits-from-implementing-your-crm) - Posted at: about 13 years ago - Comments: 4