Internet conferencing can save both time and money for cash-strapped companies, but can also cause problems due to misunderstandings about corporate etiquette. Online video conferencing has its own unique set of rules that is is a cross between telephone etiquette and basic manners. So, what are the Netiquette rules that apply to web conference calls for business?
Internet Conferencing Requirements
Internet conferencing requires a quiet space, in order to cut down on distracting elements during the meeting. Staging the online meeting in a busy area, with employees walking, talking and working in the background will interfere with the meeting, and appears casual.
Instead of holding the meeting in a crowded area, set up the web conference call in a quiet office or meeting room. The amount of preparation involved in creating a quiet environment for the video meeting demonstrates the importance of the meeting, as well as respect for the person on the other end of the call. If it is not possible to dedicate a room to the online web conference, try the following suggestions to increase the professionalism of the immediate environment:
- Use a headset with a noise-canceling microphone to reduce or eliminate background noise.
- Position the webcam toward a partition or other area with low foot traffic, to reduce the number of people walking through the frame during the meeting.
During online video conferencing, there are a few Netiquette rules that should always be followed. Simply remember that the time of the other person is valuable, and that the meeting is professional, and the rules are intuitive.
- Don’t do anything during the webcam session that is not related to the meeting. Turn off the phone ringer prior to making the call, and ensure that all personnel in the office are aware that the meeting will be in session. Do not take another call, answer a co-worker’s question, dig through desk drawers, or do anything else that would be inappropriate if the meeting were taking place in person.
- Don’t eat or drink during the online meeting. This includes gum. Microphones used for video teleconferencing are powerful, and they will pick up every unsavory sound that goes along with drinking, eating or chewing.
Web conference calls offer simple and low-cost communication solutions to small businesses suffering from the economic downturn. Using Internet manners and Netiquette rules for online meetings helps ensure that business relationships do not suffer from a lack of face-to-face contact. Looking for more information about online web calling? Read:
- How to Use Your Web Camera
- Video Conference Calls & Small Business Phone Services From Skype
- Make Free Calls Online With Skype - Free Internet Phone Call Services
To learn more about proper manners on the Internet, read the Top 10 Netiquette Guidelines.
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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