As professionals, we used to wake up early to get to work on time. Those were the days when everyone was working at an office setup. Unfortunately, the pandemic came, and everyone had to work from home instead. Working outside the office means a lot of home office setups, independent work, and video call meetings. These meetings often last for hours to ensure quality performance from each employee.
The Zoom app is one of the most efficient apps for video conferences, especially with its features that are easy to navigate. So if you want to learn things like how to blur the background in Zoom, the app will lead you to the right buttons. But before anything else, here are some things you should do when having a video call meeting for work.
Before Entering a Video Call
Have a good meal
Before joining a video call for work, it is always a good idea to sit down and have a proper meal. Eating helps to improve your focus and concentration, and it also provides the energy you need to participate in the meeting. It is essential to eat before a long meeting or one that is likely to be stressful.
When you are well-fed, you are more likely to be calm and composed and less likely to get impatient or agitated. If you are feeling run-down, eating will help to give you a much-needed boost. So next time you are getting ready for a video call, take the time to sit down and enjoy a good meal. Your colleagues will appreciate it, and you will be glad you did.
Setup Your Equipment in Advance
Being prepared for a video call is key to a successful meeting – there is nothing worse than technical difficulties cutting into valuable discussion time. Make sure your devices are charged and ready to go before the call starts, so you are not scrambling for cords or losing power in the middle of an important conversation.
If you are using a laptop, check that the webcam and microphone are working in advance, so you can troubleshoot any issues before the meeting starts. And if you are sharing slides or other digital content, make sure it is all pulled up and ready to go – fumbling around for files will only make you look disorganized. By taking a few minutes to prepare your gadgets and equipment ahead of time, you can avoid problems and make sure your video call goes off without a hitch.
Wash up and dress appropriately
Meetings are an essential part of work in the modern world. They provide a chance to discuss ideas, solve problems and build relationships. However, they can also be a source of stress. One way to reduce the anxiety around meetings is to ensure you are prepared. This means taking the time to wash up and dress appropriately, even if it is just a video call.
First impressions matter and you want to come across as professional and competent. It also helps to have a specific meeting space set up in your home, where you will not be interrupted by family or pets. By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your next meeting is a success.
During a Video Call
Turn your mic off when not speaking
When you are in a video call meeting, it is important to remember to turn off your mic when you’re not speaking. There are a few reasons for this. It helps to prevent background noise from interfering with the meeting. Then it allows other people to focus on the person who is talking. Plus, it helps to conserve bandwidth.
If everyone in the meeting is constantly talking, the call quality will suffer. So when you’re not speaking, be sure to mute your mic. It’s a simple courtesy that can go a long way toward making video call meetings more productive and enjoyable for everyone.
Keep the workspace as quiet as possible
In any workspace, it is crucial to keep disruptions to a minimum to maintain productivity. It is especially true for meeting rooms, where all participants must be able to hear and be heard. There are a few simple steps that everyone can take to help keep the noise level down.
All phones should be silenced or turned off before the meeting begins. And if people need to take notes, they should do so as quietly as possible. Lastly, any side conversations should be set aside. By following these simple guidelines, meetings can run smoothly and efficiently.
Pay attention and focus
In today’s world, it is essential to be able to focus and pay attention, especially during work meetings. With so many distractions, it can be difficult to stay on task. However, if you are not paying attention, you could miss important information or even worse, make a mistake. This is especially true for video call meetings, as it is easy to get distracted by things happening around you.
To avoid this, try to find a quiet place to sit where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off any devices that might cause a distraction, and make sure you are looking into the camera so that the person on the other end can see your face. By being focused and attentive, you will be able to make the most of every meeting.
After a Video Call
Do some stretching
Now that so many of us are working from home, video calls have become a part of our daily routine. While they’re a great way to stay connected with our colleagues, they can also be draining. That’s why it is essential to take a few minutes to stretch after each call.
Stretching helps to release the tension that builds up in our muscles from sitting in the same position for extended periods. It also increases blood flow and helps to improve our posture. So next time you are fatigued after a video call, take a few minutes to stretch your arms, legs, and back.
Drop your gadgets and take a break
For one thing, it is easy to get lost in all the faces on the screen. And because you are looking at a tiny version of everyone, it can be hard to read body language and pick up on social cues. As a result, you must take a break after a video call meeting.
Get up and walk around for a few minutes, or step outside for fresh air. And if possible, try to avoid looking at screens for at least an hour afterward. It will give your eyes and brain a chance to rest, and you’ll be able to think more clearly when you return to work.
Grab a snack
Grabbing a snack is a really important part of wrapping up a meeting. Not only does it give you a chance to refuel and recharge, but it can also serve as a small reward for getting through the meeting. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little extra motivation right now. So next time you are feeling tired after a meeting, reach for a healthy snack instead of your phone. Your body and productivity will thank you.
Final Thoughts
We must admit that video calls can get challenging, especially if you want them to run smoothly. But it is also important to face these challenges so that we can get used to the work-from-home setup. It is important that we not let these things get the best of us, and we always want to perform well at work. Knowing how to navigate through video calls, especially in the zoom app will make work life easier. So make sure to take some time to navigate through the app. Visit CellularNews.com for more technology tips and tricks.
Also Read: 4 Tips To Make Company Training Videos More Engaging
