How to Make the Most of Video Conferencing

First is that people are not comfortable using it in communicating or afraid of the technology.

Another impediment is that some people do not regard video conferencing seriously because of its virtual nature. The first problem can be overcome with training and practice; the second can be answered by setting rules and guidelines.

Not all people are comfortable with the thought of other people seeing themselves in a screen while others feel uncomfortable when they are confronted with people on a screen looking back at them and talking to them. This might sound absurd but it is true. While people may be comfortable in talking over the phone, some may clam up or feel uncomfortable when they do something much more natural - talking with people they can actually see over the screen. People who suffer from such anxiety may avoid video conferences. But this uneasiness and awkwardness can be overcome with practice. It is just something to get used to. To do this you can have a dry-run or a mock set up of a video conference.

Most people are familiar with phone etiquette and meeting etiquette, but not everyone seems to observe or even know how video conference etiquette is. Of course people need to be on time, prepared, and pay attention during a video conference just like you are in person-to-person meetings. However, some people fail to observe this. It is more unacceptable for people to be waiting in a video conference because it reduces productivity and when one is late it disrupts the flow of the meeting.

To avoid such things from happening, it would be best for managers or other heads to send a guideline of what to do during a video conference prior to the schedule of the meeting. It is important that it is clear to everyone what behavior is expected from them throughout the conference.

Video Conferencing is a very effective communication tool particularly when the participants are comfortable and know how to conduct themselves in a video conference.