Let’s face it.
Virtual conference calls are the new normal.
As everyone scrambles to figure how to best conduct virtual conference calls so that business keeps going, the need is here for a quick list of simple rules anyone can follow to ease the transition from working together in the office to god-only-knows-where-Tom-from-accounting is calling in from.
May I now present to you…
10 Unofficial Rules for Virtual Conference Calls in a COVID19 World
- Unapologetic interruptions from toddlers, children, and teenagers barging in on your video conference calls are not only expected but encouraged.
- Who needs fancy sound systems blasting “Eye of the Tiger” to pump up participants for your presentation? Elementary school kids practicing the oboe, violin, or drums in the next room can provide your video conference with an original, memorable soundtrack.
- Stuffed animals, sock puppets, and Hatchimals can add much needed visual interest to any Zoom room. Bonus points for one of each making an appearance during your virtual call.
- Five-year-olds have an uncanny sense of comedic timing with common outbursts like “Uh-oh!” and “Mommy, why does your nose look so big on the computer?” Encourage them to add their color commentary during business video chats to keep the mood light.
- Don’t worry about distracting other participants when your toddler or cat climbs into your lap and leans her face into the webcam. During these challenging times, we could all use a daily dose of #cutenessoverload.
- Should juice box missiles suddenly buzz your head or snowballs of soggy cheerios plop onto your laptop screen, simply mute your microphone and turn off the video. You can rejoin the meeting as soon as you have things under control, assuming you haven’t decided to ditch what’s left of the meeting and join the kid fun instead.
- Presenters — Don’t concern yourself with practicing the material you are presenting. No one is paying that much attention and besides — they can always get the slide deck or recording later when someone sends out the link.
- Sit with your back to a giant window if that feels right to you. In an era of increasing privacy concerns, backlit silhouettes are all the rage these days.
- If you receive a warning that your Internet connection is unstable, use it as a chance to grab a snack. Pour a tall glass of your favorite beverage. Slap on some hand sanitizer (that is if you have any). Read rule #6 again for inspiration.
- Don’t go out of your way to create the perfect backdrop for your webcam. People like to get to know their colleagues better these days. This is a great chance to show off your beer bottle or Hello Kitty collection to your boss and team while discussing sales projections for Q3 & 4.
And there you have it. Virtual conference calls should be a breeze moving forward with this list at your fingertips. No more excuses that virtual conference calls are too difficult to implement.
You’ve got this!
