It’s fairly strange to think that many people have been working remotely for a year now due to COVID-19, and yet there are still so many mistakes made during videoconferencing. It was acceptable at the beginning for things to go wrong because so many of us were getting used to the idea of not meeting in person at all and the software was new to us. However, a year later, we should know what we are doing by now.

Here’s a list to help you make sure you ace your next videoconference meeting, interview or talk:

1. Do Remember the Standard Rules Of Meetings

Just because the meeting is taking place online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be prepared for it and arrive in the digital meeting space on time. Always try to be aware of the agenda if one is set, have your notes ready, and know what is expected of you. Arriving late in a video meeting is just as distracting as doing it in person or possibly even more so because your image will suddenly appear on everyone’s screens.

2. Don’t Let Technology Get The Better Of You

Technical difficulties is one of the biggest issues plaguing meetings and other online events. People not being sure how to work the program or understanding what will happen if they click on something can cause no end of interruptions, delays and unnecessary problems. Take some time to get to know the software you’re using before you have a meeting. The most important things to test out are your speakers and microphone, sound levels, video camera and internet connection. If you are presenting work, make sure you know how to share your screen properly with everyone.

3. Do Pay Attention

It’s very easy to get distracted in a video meeting or conference. You’re sitting at your computer, often at home, and there are plenty of other things happening. Getting up to water the plants while someone else is speaking or looking at other work tasks during a meeting is rude and can be distracting to other people taking part. Remember, your camera is on and people can see if you’re getting up to something else while they talk. The simple rule is, if you wouldn’t do it at an in-person meeting, don’t do it online.

4. Don’t Forget About Your Surroundings

Whether you’re working from your bedroom or from the office, you should always be professional in a video meeting or event. This means that you need to pay attention to your surroundings and make sure that what can be seen on screen is suitable. This means no dirty clothes on a chair behind your desk, no distracting posters or pictures on the wall, and best to not let your pets come and join the meeting too. Save all this for when you relax and play the pokies online NZ offers. It’s also a good idea to warn anyone in the house with you that you’re in a meeting so that you don’t get any surprise guests walking behind you or making a loud noise in the house.