Video conferencing is a virtual connection between two devices for people to communicate. In video conferencing, people can see and talk to each other through their computers, laptops, or even cell phones. Video conferencing has been used for quite some time now.
It was used to connect people and gives them the chance to connect screens and share projects. It has been used by companies for meetings and also by normal people to communicate with their families.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, as people started to move towards the Work from home style, video conferencing became more prominent. It is integrated more into the work lives of employees and employers.
Video conferencing is used in a lot of different ways in organizations. It has eased the need to arrange physical meetings, and its application can be seen in many forms, such as the HR department for online interviews and managers arranging meetings.
Customer care can also use video conferencing to take up customer queries. Individuals can also send pre-recorded video messages to their colleagues, managers, or employees.
Requirements
A few things need to be considered for a video conference to occur. A video conference needs a computer/laptop/ phone to establish an internet connection, a webcam, an audio recording, and a listening device.
For a smooth video conference experience, it’s recommended to go for a strong and stable internet connection. When the device has an established internet connection, we need an app or a user interface to help arrange a video conference.
There are many user interfaces in the market today to help organizations set up video conferences.
One of the best ones is Livestorm, which has many features, and the pros and cons are mentioned in the Livestorm review. Livestorm, unlike other apps, does not require any software to be downloaded to your device.
It has different plans suited for the different needs of the users and helps make video conferencing easy.
Also Read: Preparing Your Team for Remote Work!!!
Tips for an Easy Setup of a Video Conference
Organize and Plan
Experts recommend that you plan for your conference and vet out possible alternate options if you face device malfunctions. Map out your methodology of setting up conferences and take time out from your work schedule to review new tools and apps that provide an alternate solution within your price range.
Though it’s virtually impossible to map out all possible outcomes, it’s best to have a standby set up if your plan goes south.
Video Setting
Video conferencing involves using a camera to display a person in the meeting. Having the wrong video calibrations can be extremely distracting; hence, most video conferencing apps preview before stepping into the meeting.
Be sure to run the setup to set the brightness and the background frame. Furthermore, these setups often provide apps connected to smartphones and tablets for additional mobility.
Audio Setting
In a video conference, we use our microphone to convey our message. It is best to check the built-in mic in our device or better quality sound. Purchasing an external mic may not be necessary as most video conferencing software has inbuilt voice clarity features.
However, if keeping the voice quality is of utmost importance in this conference, consider purchasing based on peer reviews.
App/Software
When shortlisting video conference software, consider looking for solutions that have apps available on Google’s Play Store and Apple App Store. You can search deeper for browser-based extensions, as this software aims to make video conferencing as seamless as possible.
So opt for software that is as seamless and as cross-platform compatible as possible.
Display/Monitor
Video conferences such as team meetings, brainstorming sessions, workshops, speakers often require a dedicated display to showcase examples. Most educational videos have post-shoot editing or a side-by-side presentation view.
Speakers who want a more organic approach often opt for a big display, a scratchpad to explain better using a touch screen display or a digital whiteboard.
Sitting Position
To give the best view towards the camera, one should check the webcam before the meeting. Experimenting with different angles and lighting is a good way of finding the optimal angle, distance, and lighting for the camera.
For optimal viewership experience, it’s best to keep the camera at eye level and arm’s length from the camera. Finding a well-lit room with natural lighting and secluded from noise pollution is optimal for the best viewership experience.
Also Read: 4 Smart Ways to Source for the Right Tech Talent
Conclusion
As remote working has become a new norm, job interviews and team meetings are commonly done through video conferencing. Employees and employers need to familiarize themselves with their devices to communicate better and make the most of video conferencing.
Organizations often dedicate rooms in their office for video conference meetings so focused group discussions can take place, keeping these sessions short and impactful.
If there are any tips that we may have missed in this article, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply