- 17 Oct, 2024
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Virtual Meeting Etiquettes: Best Practices
Let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced, virtual meetings. Whether you love them or hate them, they’re here to stay, and mastering a few key etiquette tips can make a world of difference.
1. Arrive Early
Whether it’s a virtual or in-person meeting, showing up late is never a good look. Arrive a few minutes early to sort out any technical issues and settle in. It’s also a great time to review your notes one last time.
2. Give Your Full Attention
Yes, I know it can be tempting to check your phone or multitask during a dull moment, but resist! You might miss something important, and besides, it’s just plain rude. Show you’re engaged with attentive body language, look at the camera, not your screen, and listen.
3. Look at the Camera and Speak Clearly
When it’s your turn to speak, focus on the camera (not your face or the gallery view). Speak clearly and avoid mumbling. This keeps your message sharp and avoids unnecessary distractions.
4. Mute Yourself Unless You’re Talking
This one’s a biggie. Always start the meeting on mute to cut down on background noise. Unmute only when you’re ready to speak trust me, everyone will appreciate the quiet.
5. Don’t Interrupt
We’ve all been there and eager to jump in with our thoughts. But when someone else is speaking, hold off for a moment. Online connections can be tricky, so give it a second or two after they’ve finished before you start talking. It’s polite and ensures you’re not talking over anyone.
6. Check Your Surroundings
Your workspace matters, even in a virtual meeting. A messy background can be distracting and might make it hard for others to take you seriously. Keep your area tidy—it gives off a professional vibe and helps you stay focused.
7. Dress Professionally
Working from home is great you can wear whatever you want… kind of. While you may be in comfy shorts below the desk, make sure your top half looks professional. Clean, appropriate clothing, a quick hairbrush, and maybe even a splash of cologne these small steps go a long way.
8. Test Your Tech
One of the worst things that can happen is getting cut off in the middle of a meeting because of a bad connection or faulty equipment. Make sure your internet, microphone, and camera are working before the meeting starts. It’ll save everyone a lot of headaches.
Understand, that just because a meeting is virtual doesn’t mean you can slack off on etiquette. These simple practices can help keep your meetings smooth, productive, and professional.