5 Mistakes You’re Probably Making On Your Video Calls

Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or any other platform – we’ve all been using video calls to connect with our colleagues and coworkers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

And, whilst things are starting to return to normality, it seems like a lot of businesses have realised the benefit of working from home.

As such, it seems like video meetings aren’t going away any time soon.

This may seem like a dream for some. After all, working from home does have some benefits. Not having to commute to work, no awkward small talk at the start of meetings… even wearing pyjamas bottoms without anyone knowing!

We also know that, for some, video meetings can be a pain.

If you’re worried about your next video meeting and want to know about which mistakes you should avoid, read on.

It seems the first thing people tend to think of when they hear “working from home” is “pyjamas.”

Yes, it seems like a lot of people think not having to enter into the office every day means they can ditch their suits and heels. And, whilst this may be true, that doesn’t mean you should stop putting in effort altogether.

Firstly, getting properly dressed and wearing smart-casual clothes shows that you’re taking your work seriously.

There’s nothing worse than logging onto your morning video call to see everyone in smart shirts. Meanwhile, you’re wearing your fluffy Christmas pyjamas.

What will your boss think?

Putting in an effort and getting dressed every morning shows that, even though you’re working from home, you still care. You’re not taking advantage of the cozier environment. What’s more, you’re still giving your 100% when it comes to working.

Secondly, getting dressed every morning also puts you in a better mindset as well.

In fact, according to fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell, “the theory of ‘enclothed cognition’ [shows us] it is important to get dressed in the morning, to get the most out of your day”.

As such, getting into your work clothes helps you get into the mindset of working. You’re much more productive and more ready to face the day if you’re wearing a nice shirt instead of a hoodie.

We’ve all seen the hilarious clip of the professor on the BBC conference call being interrupted by his 2 children mid-interview. It was very funny and endearing.

But, that doesn’t mean it will be for you the next time you’re on a video call to your manager.

Not everyone has the luxury of an office or spare space when working from home. Some of us are working in our bedrooms or kitchens. And, if we’re living with others, it can be difficult to reduce disruption.

However, there are still some things you can do to make sure your setup looks as professional as possible.

Having a background that is noisy – both in volume and colours – can be very distracting.

Because of this, make sure to remove any unnecessary or unprofessional background materials. You may be a massive fan of One Direction, but no one needs to see your 2012 concert posters on your wall behind you as you’re trying to discuss the financial quarter.

As well as this, try and shut yourself up in your room briefly if you know you’re going to be on a call.

Do you have a particularly friendly cat that likes to pop in to say hello when you’re in a meeting?

Or maybe your washing machine is rather loud when it’s on its spin cycle?

In either case, shutting your door and making sure that all noise is on the other side is a great way to make sure your meeting remains undisturbed.

We’ve all done it. We’ve gone into meetings without having practiced the presentation. Or sitting in a class when you haven’t done the reading.

Only for, inevitably, you to be called on to answer something and you can’t.

Just because you’re not physically sat next to your colleagues doesn’t mean you can get away without doing any work.

When it comes to working over a video call, you have to be extra clear about what it is you’ve done. Why not create a presentation or some sort of visual? Or, send the other people in the call your work ahead of time. These are just some of the many ways you can make your work accessible, and prove your effort.

This will make a great impression with the rest of the people in your team, too.

Just because your supervisor may not be around the corner checking up on you, doesn’t mean you’re not expected to do the work.

Because of this, make sure you’re keeping afloat with everyone’s work. Just in case you end up discussing it.

Especially, if you’re meant to be working as part of a team.

Team morale and cooperation are important things to maintain. So, making sure of what other people are working on is a great way to do this.

You don’t want to be sat in your video meeting, discussing your team’s project, without anything to contribute or add.

It’s not a good look.

I know. Not everyone is tech-savvy, or are super confident in using new technology.

Some people struggle to use Word or FaceTime. And when it’s required of the older generation to adapt to modern technology – it can be difficult.

But the answers to these problems aren’t to try and avoid them – only to face buffering, poor connection, and no audio in your video meeting. Instead, you need to address them head-on.

Firstly, you should always practice using the video call platform before you actually have your big meeting.

This can be with a friend or another colleague who also struggles. Giving it a test run before your big pitch on Monday is a great idea.

What’s more, you should even do this if you’re not working but looking for a job.

Lots of companies that are hiring new workers are unable to hold interviews in person. Meaning, that if you’re on the job hunt, you’ll likely face a few awkward video interviews.

It doesn’t make a great first impression if you’re trying to figure out why your camera isn’t working, or why your audio keeps cutting out, right at the beginning of your meeting.

Secondly, if you still are struggling after doing a practice run – look at some online videos that can show you how to use it.

Stewart Gauld, on YouTube, creates some very information (and brief!) tutorials on how to use many things for your business. From Skype to Google Hangouts, and also Zoom. He’ll help you get prepared for your next big meeting, and turn yourself into a video call whiz!

Sometimes when you’re on a video call, you can actually forget that people can see you.

Without their physical faces in front of you, it’s very easy to switch off. You can feel like you’re watching the world’s most boring TV show. So, you stop making an effort.

As a result, this means you could be spending a large portion of your video call being watched by your colleagues as you check your phone, bite your nails, fiddle with your outfit, or even eat food.

Not only is this not very professional, but also can be super distracting for your colleagues too!

A good tip to remember when you’re doing something on a video call is to think of this: would you be doing what you’re doing in a face to face meeting?

If the answer is no, then you should probably stop doing it now.

Your camera quality may be bad, but we can still see you playing with your hair as you daydream about your lunch break when you should really be contributing to the meeting.

When it comes to video calls, make sure you’re keeping your attention 100% of the time.

Your daydreaming may be fun, but it doesn’t look very professional to your employer.

Video calls have their plus sides and their downsides.

They’re certainly a lot more comfortable to participate in when you’re sitting on your sofa.

But, there can be downsides too.

It’s easy to get distracted on video calls and forget the reason why you’re there – to work.

What’s more, it’s also easy to let things slip.

You may be several months into your working from home routine, and maybe you’ve stopped putting in as much effort as you should. Maybe you’ve stopped wearing your work clothes or started logging on to meetings late.

It’s understandable to fall into this trap, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and get out of it.

Whether you’re new to video calls or have become a Skype Savant, make sure that you’re performing the same way as you would in the office.