Like many of you, I’ve ditched in-person meetings for virtual ones during the coronavirus crisis. In my case, it’s just more of what I’ve been doing all along. For others I’ve been meeting with, it’s all brand new. Here are five mistakes I’ve seen (and made) during online meetings. Some seem like obvious no-nos, but others, not so much.
Mistake #1: Not looking at the camera
You may notice during your online meetings that some people seem to be looking off to one side, down, or generally not making eye contact while they’re talking. That’s probably because they’re looking at their screens, not their cameras.
Solution
To maintain good eye contact while you’re talking, look directly at the camera, even if this means you can’t see your screen. Don’t worry, it’ll be there for you when you’re done speaking.
Mistake #2: Making distracting noises
I was told by a meeting participant recently that she could hear me typing. Oops, my bad. I should’ve muted my mic. On the same call I could hear other distracting noises, such as a train going by and various background noises.
Solution
Mute your mic when you’re not speaking. Don’t forget to unmute it when it’s your turn to talk!
Mistake #3: Giving too much information
The virtual meeting room doesn’t need to know what you’re doing all the time. So minimize distractions for others by remembering not to overshare when you get up to go to the bathroom, start a conversation with your kid, or call your dog.
Solution
When you have to sign off briefly or if someone in the room with you needs your attention, mute your mic and video. If it’s only for a moment and you don’t currently have an active role, you don’t have to tell everyone you’re leaving.
Mistake #4: Moving while talking
If you’re walking while you attend the meeting, good for you for multitasking and getting some exercise! Bad for the other people in the meeting, who have to watch your image lurch around the screen in front of an ever-changing background.
Solution
To enable you to focus fully on the meeting and to ensure the other attendees aren’t distracted by your video, have a seat during your meeting. Don’t worry, you can walk later.
Mistake #5: Putting up with bandwidth issues
Not everyone has the fastest Internet connection. If yours is slow and laggy, it’s a distraction for you and others as you work to correct the issue.
Solution
If you can see everyone else just fine but your video seems to be hanging up, then mute your video and call into the meeting with a phone. If you’re having trouble seeing the others in the meeting, then just call in.
Your turn
Are there any other pieces of advice you’d like to offer or things that you wish people would stop doing during online meetings? Write your comments below!