Video Conference Behaviour - Part 2

Following yesterday’s look at how to get the best out of a video conference by matching your behaviour to the actual medium, here are three further points for you to consider.

Stick to Your Schedule
Since video and webconferencing requires a detailed schedule, stick to it. Note that your web conference may be held in facilities that are used by groups other than your own. And even if there is no group waiting to use the place after you, the purpose of this ‘inexpensive’ medium may be somewhat defeated if you end up paying overtime and go over budget.

Go for Maximum Participation
To make video and web conferencing truly participative, take full advantage of on-hand technology by sending e-mail and phone calls to participants. This not only gives you added power in setting the tone for the meeting beforehand, it also enables you to achieve maximum participation by getting the group’s input so that each person has a stake in it.

Follow this up during the actual video conference. Video and webconferencing dictates that you use all information and interaction that took place beforehand. Introduce participants and mention what each person suggested or something else you’ve learned. Then once you start, get to the point but keep your presentation conversational.

Makes Allowances for the Medium

Remember to keep your presentation engaging through gestures, facial expressions, and vocal variety. If you are the presenter, talk as naturally and animatedly as possible. And since everybody will be looking at you. Consider your background or backdrop. Stick to one color, like blue or dark green, and avoid white since it can cause glare.

Video and webconferencing is about two things - preparation and maximizing the tools available to you. Make sure you’re comfortable with the medium so that when you operate the video or web conferencing system, you can focus on delivering your promised agenda and interacting with the group rather than focusing on running your equipment.