Tips for Video Conferencing

Mute yourself when you’re not speaking

• This is the most important rule when it comes to video conferencing.

• You may think you are being quiet, but most microphones pick up all kinds of background noise, like coughing, typing, sniffling, and even breathing. And those are just sounds coming from you! Your kids playing in the other room, the dog barking, and the noise your neighbor is making outside can all be easily picked up by your mic. Get to know the mute/unmute function - it will become your best friend in video conferences.

Ensure your technology works correctly

• Always test your technology before a meeting, especially if it’s a program you have not used before. This will eliminate delays in the meeting due to technology malfunctioning.

• Familiarize yourself with the different functions of the software (like sharing your screen) to keep the meeting running smoothly.

Choose the proper software and hardware

• Having a camera and a microphone is only half of the equation. Know what your group’s needs are and use the right tool to meet them.

• UNLV currently supports the following video conferencing tools: WebEx, Google Meet

Dress for success

• One perk of working remotely is dressing more comfortably, but you shouldn’t necessarily swap out the shirt and tie for your favorite sweats. Studies show that you are more likely to be focused when you’re dressed well. You don’t need the full work attire, but choose something work appropriate to get you into the right headspace.

Find the right light

• While the lighting doesn’t necessarily impact the productivity of a video meeting, we always like to look our best. Play with your room’s lighting prior to the meeting start and test it with your camera so your colleagues are able to see your face clearly.

Have a plan

• Don’t go into your video meeting without a plan. Be sure to have an agenda in place that the group can work through together. Video meetings can be uncomfortable, especially at first. Having a to-do list can keep things moving along and eliminate awkward silence.

Pay attention / eliminate distractions

• When you’re physically in a meeting with your colleagues in your office, chances are you’ll be relatively focused on the discussion, not checking your email, catching up on the news, or scrolling through Facebook on your phone. You don’t want to do these in a video conference, either. Stay focused.

• Try to eliminate distractions as much as possible, whether that means putting your pets out in the backyard or putting an iPad in your kids’ hands to keep them busy while you work. After all, we can’t all be as smooth as this guy!