Topic 2 | Communicate Like a Remote Working Pro

Improve Your Nonverbal Skills

In a remote work setting, your team will often have video conferences since it is one of your main channels for communication. However, some people prefer audio calls over video calls. Here are some factors as to why they keep an audio conversation.

  1. Intermittent connection – Compared to audio calls, video calls consume more internet bandwidth when conducting online conferences. Some people may not have access to a better internet connection. They find audio calls more convenient to avoid lag and disconnection during the conference call. Moreover, people can make room for minor tasks.
  2. Environment or location of the workplace – Some people may have difficulty having a controlled environment, for example, if you are working from home or in a public space there several distractions such as surrounding people and competing noises.
  3. Appearance – When working remotely, you are given the option to dress comfortably. However, some people find it inconvenient to groom themselves. In a video conference, some feel obliged to wear proper attire in contrary to an audio call.
  4. Lack of confidence – Some people feel anxious whenever they engage with their colleagues face-to-face, which sometimes affects their focus in the discussion.

Though some have a preference to conduct video or audio calls, it is good practice to learn how to use both options. As we continue, we will discuss the benefits of an online conference with videos.

 

Benefits of Video Conference

Video conferencing is a powerful tool that allows a remote team to collaborate regardless of their location and time zone differences. These tools are relatively free as long as you have an internet connection and a computer with a camera or a smartphone.

  1. Connects your team using only their mobile phone – There will be an instance that your workforce is traveling and they can only leverage their mobile phone during conference calls. Through video call, they can easily communicate without going to their home office. Also, it allows you to review the whereabouts of your team.
  2. A convenient way to give instructions and feedback – In remote work, the lack of interaction is common. Video conferencing allows the team to receive detailed instructions, clarifications and feedback from other remote workers. Furthermore, video conferencing tools have plugins allowing the team to record their online meeting and to conveniently revisit their discussion.
  3. Easy to organize meetings – It is cost-efficient to set meetings and schedule via video conferencing. Additionally, it saves time for the team and they can easily conduct meetings on very short notice.
  4. Humanized conversation – Even though we only see moving pictures, video conferencing feels more natural involving human interactions to see their body language, emotions and facial expressions.
  5. Showing things – Through video conferencing, you can discuss with props or writing board to demonstrate your ideas and thoughts. You can show things that can aid your presentation and enhance your online discussion.

 

Effective Communication in Video Conferencing

Unlike traditional meetings, video conferences are more convenient because you do it in the comfort of your home. However, there are few reminders to follow before you engage in a video conference.

          1. Preparing for the Conference

  • Check your microphone and speaker and test their sounds
  • Check your internet connection if it is working properly
  • Adjust your camera angle where you be seen clearly with proper lighting
  • Ready your props if you have anything to demonstrate
  • Put your smart devices into silent mode and avoid using them during the meeting2. Being presentable during the video conference
  • Wear comfortable and proper attire
  • Avoid wearing bright colors to avoid distractions
  • Make sure your and hands face are always visible in the video
  • Remove unnecessary objects that may obscure the camera view3. Audio tips
  • Before the meeting, everyone should confirm if they can hear each other clearly
  • Avoid interrupting the person speaking in the discussion. Wait for the person to finish before speaking
  • Click the ‘Mute’ button when you are not speaking. Additionally, mute your microphone when you are fixing its position
  • When posing a question, pause for a few seconds because it may take some time before it reaches your recipient. If you are expecting a response, wait for the person to reply before repeating yourself

What if you toggle off your camera during an online conference?

In some situations, where your teammates have their camera switched on while yours is off, people may perceive that you are inattentive or non-participative. Besides, people may miss a few of your non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expression. This may also cause misinterpretation and misunderstanding.