Lights, Camera, Action!

Tips for a Successful Web Video Conference

In the post-Covid world of the distributed workforce, most folks have participated in a Microsoft Teams, Cisco WebEx, Zoom, and/or GoToMeeting web conferences by now. Most of those participants have also experienced distractions, difficulties, or just plain weirdness. Like in the movies, a lot of components have to come together to create a blockbuster and to avoid having a huge blooper reel.

Please see the following “roles” necessary for a great production:  

Costume Designer

Dress for the role (i.e. professionally). Do not be that guy you see on the commercial who gets caught in his underwear.

Set Designer

Make sure your background fits the scene. Avoid having junk, trash, clutter, or inappropriate items in view. If your background is not Hollywood-worthy, use the built-in backgrounds in your web conferencing tool.

Special Effects Coordinator

Be sure to test your video and audio capabilities prior to the meeting. With most tools, you can quickly test your camera, microphone, and speakers to avoid those embarrassing technical difficulties.

Boom Operator

Background noise can really hinder the scene. Use your “mute” button when you are not speaking. Shut office doors or find a secluded spot to make sure that all is quiet on the set.

Script Supervisor

Stay on task and follow the script. Avoid the temptation to improvise (i.e. multitask).

Lead Actor

In web conferences, it is okay to break the “fourth wall”. Be sure that you look at the camera to engage your audience. Annunciate clearly so that your audience understands you.