Top 10 tips for home office video calls
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Since 2020, with the beginning of the new coronavirus pandemic, virtual meetings have become increasingly frequent and the home office became the reality of approx. 9 millions of Braziliansaccording to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). What was a dream of many workers, who believed that working remotely would make the routine more comfortable and less tiring, ended up becoming a nightmare for some, the fault of the various video calls, which, yes, could be resolved with a simple email in many cases. .
For those who were not used to videoconferencing on a daily basis, the need to do the entire IT service generated a lot of stress and even hindered productivity, causing working hours to be multiplied. For you who joined or will continue in home office in 2022 and still have a hard time adjusting to online meetings by spending a lot of their precious time on them, the showmetech separated the 10 best tips for video calling at home office that promise to bring more practicality to your daily life.
Find the ideal app
The first step is find the ideal app for your purpose. Currently, most messaging apps have the option of video calling available for smartphones and computers, even some that do not require a download and can be accessed through the browser. There are also apps created especially for virtual meetings that facilitate group calling. Check out a selection of the best apps and their main functions below:
Google Meet
O Google Meet was once a pay-only app, but has been released for free use with up to 100 users per call e time limit of 60 minutes for group meetings and up to 24h for meetings between two users. Among its main functions are: screen sharing, noise filter, subtitles and translated transcripts. Its use is very intuitive, and all you need to do is have an account. Google, and the code or link of the meeting you want to join.
Zoom
O Zoom has a paid and a free version, which allows up to 100 users e 50 simultaneous rooms for a period of up to 40 minutes. There is no limit on creating meetings, so you can create a second call for extra time. Conversations between two people are unlimited. The program also allows you to share files and the screen, in addition to recording calls, and has a function that allows speak to up to 10 people. To access a meeting, simply click on the link received and, through it, it is possible to enter even without having an account on the application.
Microsoft Teams
Ideal for businesses, the free version of teams, as it is known, has video calls for up to 100 participants for 60 minutes e 5 GB of cloud storage. There are several paid enterprise plans that can offer up to 300 participants per meeting, lecture for 10 thousand people, 1T storage, business email and apps office included.
Skype or Whatsapp
One of the pioneers when it comes to video calls, the Skype or Whatsapp it also offers great features in its free version. Among them, meeting for up to 100 participants and a limit of 100 hours per month. It is possible to record the calls and have access to subtitles with real-time translation. No need to have an account Skype or Whatsapp to access a meeting via the link. An interesting feature is the option to make calls to cell phones and landlines from anywhere in the world by purchasing credits in the application.
Internet connection via cable
First of all, you can check your internet connection through showmetech and make sure you are getting what you agreed with your broadband operator. It is also possible to test the video and audio quality in some applications such as Zoom and Skype or Whatsapp. Give preference to the use of internet via cable instead of the Wi-Fi network if you are using a computer or notebook, which allows a conexão more stable.
Some notebooks no longer have the port Ethernet, but it is possible to invest in a USB adapter If home office be a definitive position. If you are using a tablet or smartphone and wireless connection is the only alternative, try to position yourself close to the router to prevent interference from walls and other electronic equipment. In addition to decreasing the distance traveled by the signal, this will decrease the chances of drops in the connection.
Disconnect broadband connected apps
If your video call continues with a pixelated screen and unstable audio, it is possible that equipment in your home is sucking your connection. Preferably, turn off or disable smart devices such as Alexa and vacuum cleaners with home mapping function, please ensure that cleaning services streaming (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Play globe, YouTube) are not running, and avoid running heavy software on the computer at the time of the virtual meeting.
Scenario for video call
Another tip is to separate an environment especially for the moment of your video call. Having a table available, for example, will facilitate activities. Also, avoid noisy places and with people moving, close doors and windows if necessary, and put electronics in silent mode or airplane mode. This will also help your concentration and that of others present at the meeting.
Lighting is another important point. Give priority to natural light, place your table in front of the window, so your face will be well lit, and if it is necessary to use artificial light, use a table lamp, for example, and try to position it towards the his face. Standing with your back to a light source can impair image capture and generate shadows, making your image dark and the background too bright.
Keep the environment clean and organized. Give preference to neutral colors and remove unnecessary objects from your workbench. This will avoid distractions and give you a more professional image. Some apps like Google Meet and Zoom allow you to replace the video call background with an image or a video. But be careful, these options may not give a proper image at work.
camera placement
Your camera should be at eye level, and you should position yourself a certain distance from the camera so that you are only visible from the shoulders up. It's very important that you can look directly at the people on your call and check their facial expressions, which simulates a more personal conversation and keeps the atmosphere more pleasant. Avoid using the notebook on your lap so that your movement is not limited.
If you are using a tablet or smartphone, it is essential to use a support, or tripod, which will prevent the image from being blurred and your arms tired. Always keep the device horizontal to enlarge the image. Vertically, the image will be reduced and with black bands on the sides, causing unwanted contrast.
webcam and microphone
Notebooks, tablets and cell phones already have a camera, microphones and built-in speakers. However, the last two might not be enough for your video call. And what good is attending a meeting if you can't hear or be understood? You can increase the audio quality and avoid picking up unwanted noise by using a Bluetooth headset or even a headset that you already have at home and that are easily connectable to your device.
If you use a desktop, investing in a webcam and microphone is essential. You can use headphones with a built-in microphone, as mentioned above, or purchase separate peripherals, which generally deliver higher audio quality. Also remember to turn off the microphone whenever you are not using it.
Regarding the image, you can make some adaptations, such as: use your GoPro No. MacOS or even even in Windows. It is still possible to use a semi-professional camera or the own cell phone to an extreme extent. But if you want to invest in a webcam, the showmetech has a list of best for home office workers.
professional conduct
Don't forget that even working from home, when you join a video call you find yourself in a professional environment. Maintain proper posture, don't lean on the table, avoid walking around the house, don't make calls lying down and don't interrupt your colleague's speech. If there is a need to speak during a third-party speech, the ideal is to use the chat in the application itself. Always remember what would be accepted in a face-to-face meeting, and of course, don't forget to dress appropriately, clothes in neutral colors and without prints are ideal, even if only at the top.
Presentation during video call
The first tip for having a fruitful presentation is to check all the files and leave them open before the meeting starts. After all, you don't want to be surprised when you open the old version of a slide already edited or can't find the video link. activate the mode Do not disturb on your device, which will prevent notifications from taking your concentration. Share only the window presented at any given time, so you can navigate between tabs without others seeing and even check information during the conference without people noticing. But don't forget to keep your eyes on the screen.
have everything in hand
Prepare for your meeting as you would in person, ideally, you don't have to leave the video call for any reason. So, take about 10 minutes before the meeting starts to: organize all the necessary texts, put on your table agenda and pen if you need to take notes, open your device's notepad to save information and leave a bottle of water next to you.
Have a Plan B, even following the other video calling tips
Remember that no matter how prepared you are, some details can still get out of hand, so always have a plan B in mind. Some meetings can take longer than expected, so keep your charger ready or even a portable charger so you don't have to unplug. Also, send the meeting link to a spare device, typically a tablet or cell phone, to quickly reconnect if there is a video, sound, or connection error on your primary device.
See also:
Did you like the list of the best video calling tips? Check out a post prepared by showmetech on 14 home office apps to boost productivity.
Source: PCMag.
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