142 The One That Helps Us With Video Meetings
Who would think that\xa0all of\xa0our meetings in the 2nd quarter of 2020 would be over video conference? Not me. I would have bought a hefty amount a Zoom stock if I did. Which, by the way, was trading for about $70 back in February and will now cost you $210. Hindsight, right! For those of us that didn\u2019t make it rich buying Zoom stock, you probably use Zoom\u2019s product or something like it. Have you ever wondered what the best way to have a video conference is?\xa0\xa0
As a Mastermind Group, The Rising Tide Mastermind meets weekly over Zoom. I have used it for years before the onsite of stay-at-home orders, but I could not remember ever seeing anything on video call etiquette. A member of our Mastermind asked if I could have a speaker come talk to us on this topic. The only issue was, I couldn\u2019t find one. No one wanted to disappoint, so I decided to book myself.\xa0\xa0
Please join me for tips, tricks, and yes, etiquette for having your best virtual meeting ever.\xa0\xa0
\xa0Trace\u2019s top tips for virtual meetings:\xa0\xa0
- Find a room that is comfortable, private, with good lighting and reliable wi-fi.\xa0
- Let your family members know that you are going to be on a video call.\xa0
- Find the platform that works best for you.\xa0\xa0
- When possible, use your computer, not your phone.\xa0\xa0
- Don\u2019t sit in front of a window.\xa0\xa0
- Think about what is in the background of your video.\xa0\xa0
- Prepare for the meeting by reviewing agendas, preparing to screen share, etc.\xa0\xa0
- Test the software ahead of time.\xa0\xa0
- Dress professionally.\xa0\xa0
- Turn your phone notifications off.\xa0\xa0\xa0
- When you are not the one speaking, mute yourself.\xa0\xa0
- Use your camera and look directly into the camera.\xa0\xa0
- Think about what your nonverbal cues are saying.\xa0\xa0
- If using Zoom, use the gallery view.\xa0\xa0
- Be prepared for screen sharing.\xa0\xa0
- If you are hosting, offer lots of breaks.\xa0\xa0\xa0
- If you are hosting, send out an agenda.\xa0\xa0
- If you are hosting, make sure that everybody is being heard.\xa0\xa0
- If you are hosting, always ask for feedback.\xa0\xa0
- If possible, don\u2019t eat during a video call.\xa0\xa0
- Stay focused on the call at hand.\xa0\xa0
- Take private conversations offline. \xa0
- If hosting, be the last to leave the video conference.\xa0\xa0
- BONUS TIP: Try\xa0right clicking\xa0your video to display the menu, then choose Hide Myself. You no longer see the video of yourself, even though others in the meeting can see you. This helps you feel like you are in person and keeps you from being distracted by your video.\xa0
Key Points\xa0\xa0\xa0
7:36 \u2013 Think about the right room to take your virtual meeting in\xa0\xa0
9:25 \u2013 What can you do to minimize interruptions?\xa0\xa0
9:58 \u2013 Trace\u2019s preferred virtual meeting service\xa0\xa0
14:29 \u2013 How to prepare for the meeting\xa0\xa0
23:40 \u2013 Take advantage of the video feature\xa0\xa0
29:40 \u2013 Screen sharing\xa0\xa0
35:45 \u2013 Hosting virtual meetings\xa0\xa0
43:30 \u2013 How to stay focused during a video call\xa0\xa0
51:15 \u2013 The difference between video meetings and webinars\xa0\xa0
Key Quotes\xa0\xa0
\u201cWhen you are in a meeting, be present in that meeting.\u201d\xa0\xa0
\u201cWhen we communicate, 60% or more is through nonverbal cues...make sure your cameras are on.\u201d\xa0\xa0
\u201cIf you wouldn\u2019t do it in a conference room, you shouldn\u2019t do it in a video room.\u201d\xa0\xa0
\u201cConference calls are more concentrated than regular in-person calls.\u201d\xa0\xa0
\u201cThe host\u2019s job is to manage the participants.\u201d\xa0\xa0
\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to tackle big issues in a video conference.\u201d\xa0\xa0
Links Mentioned\xa0On\xa0This Episode\xa0
The Proactive Webinar Series\xa0
Zoom\xa0