Virtual meetings have become an essential tool for communication and productivity since the pandemic reshaped our working environments. With hybrid and remote work now a lasting fixture, it’s more important than ever to master virtual meetings to appear professional and confident.
Even though virtual meetings have become the norm, many people still struggle with technical glitches, maintaining engagement, and presenting themselves confidently. We’ve gathered some tips from the team at The Business Centre to help you ace your next virtual meeting and recommend the best video conferencing platforms to use. Let’s make your next virtual meeting your best yet!
Top tips for appearing confident in your virtual meeting
Smile and Maintain Eye Contact
Looking directly into your camera simulates eye contact and helps you appear more engaged. Smiling naturally adds a warm, approachable tone to your interactions, making you seem confident and approachable, even over a screen.
Speak Clearly and with Purpose
Project your voice and speak at a moderate pace to ensure clarity. Clear communication builds confidence in your message. Using headphones with a built-in microphone can help improve sound quality, ensuring that participants hear you clearly.
Mind Your Posture
Sitting up straight with your shoulders back signals confidence. Avoid slouching or leaning too far forward, as this can make you appear disinterested or anxious.
Minimise Distractions
To stay focused, keep your background clean and professional. A tidy environment or a virtual background with minimal distractions helps keep attention on you and the content you’re sharing.
Practice Active Listening
Nod or give small visual cues to show you’re engaged when others are speaking. This not only shows that you’re paying attention but also keeps the flow of the conversation smooth.
Best Video Conferencing Platforms for 2024
In a world where remote work has become a permanent fixture, the right video conferencing platform is crucial. Here are some of the top platforms our team loves:
Zoom
Zoom remains one of the most popular video conferencing tools thanks to its ease of use and flexibility. Whether you’re hosting a webinar, business meeting, or social event, Zoom offers features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and session recording. The free version supports up to 100 participants, while the pro plan allows for larger meetings with up to 1,000 attendees.
Google Meet
If you’re a Google user, then Google Meet could be a winner for you! It offers text, voice chat, screen sharing, and team scheduling that integrates with Gmail and your calendar.
Microsoft Teams
A go-to platform for businesses, Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365, offering collaboration tools like document sharing and real-time editing. It’s great for businesses that rely on Microsoft’s ecosystem, and Teams allows for both internal chat and virtual meetings, including webinars and large conferences.
How to Ensure a Smooth Virtual Meeting Experience
- Test Your Equipment: Ensure your computer has enough memory and processing power to handle video and audio simultaneously. Always test your microphone, speakers, and camera before the meeting starts.
- Check Your Internet Connection: A stable, high-speed internet connection is key to preventing lag or dropped calls. If possible, use a wired connection for more reliability.
- Close Unnecessary Programs: Closing unused applications helps free up resources on your computer, ensuring smooth video and audio performance.
- Use Collaborative Tools: For sharing files or collaborating in real-time, use tools like Google Drive or OneDrive. This keeps documents accessible during and after the meeting, so participants can review them easily.
Questions to Ask Before the Meeting
To ensure your virtual meeting goes as smoothly as possible, here’s some troubleshooting tips:
- Are there any background noises or distractions that might affect the call quality?
- Is everyone’s internet connection stable, and are they familiar with the platform you’re using?
- Does anyone need accommodations, such as headsets, screen sharing permissions, or document access?
Looking for the Perfect Workspace?
As the world embraces hybrid work models, having a professional workspace is still crucial. Here at The Business Centre (Cardiff), we are located just 10 minutes from Cardiff Bay, Dinas Powys and Penarth. Our modern facility comes fully equipped with a range of amenities including super speedy broadband, breakout areas, a friendly reception team and free access to our modern gym. Plus, the best cafe in Barry, Mel’s Cafe, is onsite!
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for co-working spaces in Barry or a business looking for serviced offices with everything included, our packages can be perfectly tailored to suit your needs. Why not get in touch with our team to find out how our business packages could support you?