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Etiquette for Zoom, Skype and the Like

April 9, 2020

The Power of a Video Camera

Video conferencing is high on the list of staying sane! Apparently Face-time, Zoom and skype usage is UP 2000% in the last month! WOW!

Once served for the sole purpose of inter-department conference calls, we now rely on this for distance learning, visiting relatives and there’s’ so much more going on!

One of the reasons I wrote about this subject, it was prompted by a situation last week: a guy fresh out of the shower, signed into a webinar, and proceed to lotion-up and get dressed in front of the camera! Yes, in the BUFF! I didn’t experience this first-hand, yet, it was shared all over the ‘net! YIKES!

In my One-ROOM Rescue^tm, one of the components is How to Present Yourself on Video. And, from what I’ve seen in the last few weeks, I‘m happy to share a few tips.

FIRST, THE CAMERA ON FACE:

Whatever device you are using, please take the time to CHECK what others, and guests, are seeing. The camera should be equal to or slightly above your eyes.

If the lens is too low, Sights of the ceiling, with a tiny head cut off at the chin, does nothing to boost your presence; you run the risk of looking lost and not professional. -Just raise the device a few more inches.
In addition, if your camera is placed very low on a coffee table, the viewer gets a view of up-your-nose, as well as an amazing crotch-shot!
We want to see your face, turn on the lights!
Be present. Center yourself from shoulders or waist up, so people can see and hear you.

SECOND, THE CAMERA BACKGROUND:

Choosing a background can set a tone/mood for the call. Standing in front of a brick wall could stifle creative conversation; while a plain wall can be ‘warmed’ up with a plant or bookshelf. (neatness counts) Choosing the ‘best-place’ to sit and participate can be tough, but take a look around your home and plan ahead for these calls.

For a one-on-one casual chat, you may feel comfortable to share the kitchen as you bake or sip coffee.

It’s also okay to feature your pets and do a house tour in your pajama’s.

However, a chat with more than two people or a full webinar meeting may require you to ‘show up’ as the professional that you are. Please take the time to choose your seat and background. (the dining room table is okay) And then, set boundaries for no interruptions with loved ones in the house. (Food is a great motivator.)

You need to LOOK like you are in business. If you are talking with paid clients and virtually inviting them into your home, let’s expand on this plan. Think about what is behind you**:

Others do not need to see posters of your ‘GOALS FOR 2020’, the sailboat you are saving up for or anything-at-all that could offend: regarding hobbies, habits, religious items, sports teams or cats (some people hate cats!)
View of an open closet door can certainly peek curiosity. If your services are to be ‘credible, organized and helpful’ to a client, a crowded mess seen in the background could sway an opinion of you.
No one wants to see the spouse wander through with a laundry basket, nor talking on their phone too.
When sitting in front of a window, you’ll be back-lit. While the window scene is nice, many people won’t see your face because of the glare!
It’s safe and acceptable to drink tea, coffee and water, unless you discuss ‘other’ beverages ahead of time. Avoid eating a full meal on camera: not pretty.
** Also check into Zoom (and other) for background options: fade, green screen and other tech as it develops.

THEN, WHEN TO TURN IT OFF

FYI: Use good manners when leaving a chair empty on camera, it could be insulting to the presenter. A quick exit still requires an AUDIO and VIDEO pause on your end.

Click off your camera AUDIO and VIDEO:

If you are NOT properly presentable when meeting with business professionals or networking DO NOT turn on VIDEO. This interaction will maintain a ‘standard’ for future relationships. A first impression lasts a long time. Plan ahead, meet people face to face next time.
Sneezing and coughing: can you do this quietly? If it’s going to be a HONKER of a sneeze and blow stuff into the camera? (I’ve seen this.) Please: no sound, no video.
Don’t scratch your nose or pick your teeth.
If you need to run to the bathroom for water, or actually ‘go’, just do it and come back quickly. MUTE and VIDEO OFF.
If your spouse or kids really need to talk with you, keep things private. Turn OFF AUDIO and VIDEO.
If UPS or Purolator show up with a package and is waiting for signature. (decision time) Again, excuse yourself, mute the controls and just do it.
If you MUST check e-mail or play games. (Really, you are clearly not interested in the conversation.) AUDIO and VIDEO OFF!
If you are not really interested in the group and you just want to ‘check-them-out’. AUDIO and VIDEO OFF! (Then, leave whenever you like.)

We need these video tools to stay connected, now more than ever!

Another tip: When signing-in, double-check if you are automatically muted and/or if you have the controls figured out before things begin. Make note (top paragraph above) of the poor guy getting dressed for the whole world to see! PLEASE, turn AUDIO and VIDEO camera off until to are READY to begin.

I know many of these things give you a chuckle, and we are only human… and yet, someone WILL see the replay, someone else will try to refer you and another will be disgusted about a poster on the wall of your favorite sports team. Pay attention.

I was chatting with a colleague a few years ago with a neon martini glass all spiced up for (?) a party! Even thou I’m okay with drinking alcohol, I was a little miffed why he would think to bring this to our conversation. Did he think this was a date? You be the judge of these things.

All these personal issues can be touchy for some. It’s better to play ‘neutral’ and avoid reasons to disengage with potential partners and clients!

Using Zoom, Skype and the like to stay connected and make more connections is so essential for us to thrive. Using these video tools, as tools, can break up our days of ‘lockdown’ and can help form a foundation in business for what lies ahead.

In the meantime, many of us are in survival mode right now.

Yes, it is okay to wear pajamas to a video call if that works for you. Dress it up a bit with a piece of jewelry, comb your hair and put on a big smile!

Soon we’ll be ‘coming out’ of isolation and ready to move forwards. At that time, our reputation needs to be positive and personable.

I’ll SEE YOU AGAIN in the clouds!

Warmth, Kathryn

Wish to know more about the ONE-ROOM Rescue for your situation? http://www.kathrynwilking.com/one-room-rescue

About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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