Videoconferencing Etiquette

Greet People: When you enter the video meeting room, greet the people at the other site(s) as well as yours. You can't shake hands with participants in other sites, but an enthusiastic "Good Morning and welcome" will set the tone for the meeting.

Look 'em in the Eye: Make eye contact with your counterparts at the other site(s) by looking at them at least as often as you look at the people in your own room.

Use Full Sentences: Try to speak in full phrases. Short answers can be troublesome since some auto-activated microphones may clip the first syllable when you begin to speak. So, for instance, instead of saying just "yup" when asked if you've finished the big project you've been working on, try "Yup, the project is finished."

Be Patient: You may sometimes notice a slight time lag between sites, particularly where there is a slow connection or in multi-point meetings (more than two sites). Try to give the people at the other site(s) a second or two extra to respond to your comment or question. It's not the people who are slow - it's the technology!

Be Aware of Side Comments: Some videoconferencing rooms have very sensitive microphones so don't assume a side comment can't be heard at the other site(s). In fact it is good practice to alert participants to this at the start of your meeting so that no one is embarrassed.

Don't Time-Check: Looking at your watch indicates to people that you think the day is dragging on and you can't wait for this darn meeting to be over! Of course, if you really have to check the time, go ahead but try not to make a habit of it. An alternative is to place your watch or other time piece in a place where you can nonchalantly keep track of the time.

Don't Focus on the Technology: Don't get distracted by all the gear in the room. Just like in any meeting, the goal is to get your core points across to others. Of course if you are new at this it will be hard not to get distracted; that's why practice using the technology is very important.

Be Yourself! You're always most effective when you're being yourself.