5 Things Not to do on a Video Call
MANNERS STILL MATTER
Ever find yourself being forced to interact with people who aren’t even there? Let’s say some global incident requires you to isolate yourself away from people (like that could ever happen) yet you still have work to do, classes to attend, and people to speak with; what are you to do? Video calls to the rescue! The great thing about them is they perfectly imitate a real in-person conversation. This means good manners and social cues are still a thing, so listen up:
- Don’t be that person who leaves their microphone on CONSTANTLY. Even if you can tune out the train depot, highway, or jet engine repair shop you live 14 feet from, your microphone is sure great at picking it up! It’s also great at sharing your deep breathing and twitchy fingers with everyone. Please, stay muted until you have something to say.
- Don’t eat. If it’s a professional call, just wait to snack. If it’s a personal call, still don’t eat, unless you’re sharing a virtual meal. Then just remember to chew with your mouth closed.
- Please remember that your camera is not a mirror. Staring at yourself instead of paying attention to the call is bad manners. Everyone can see you fixing your hair and picking your teeth.
- Mind your distance. Social distancing is smart, right? Well, virtually it’s a thing too. No need to zoom in on your face so much that we can see you sweat. Sit at a comfortable distance away from the camera, please, for all of us.
- Lastly, mind your volume and don’t dominate the conversation. It’s easy to cut others off. There’s no reason to lean forward into the computer and shout every 2.4 seconds with another quippy update on how neat this video conferencing stuff is.
There you have it: Video Chat Etiquette 101. Be sure to follow this handy guide, and you’ll easily be remembered as a well-mannered, proper, and outstanding 2020 citizen.