Video Conferencing is here to stay. Are you ready?

Introduction

“We are hard-wired to engage with those we trust, and this hard wiring has led to a constant push, for greater interaction and connection on the web.”

David Amerland

The concept of video calling came into recognition very late. Whereas it was introduced in the year 1964 by AT&T. This feature allowed two people to converse with each other and simultaneously be able to see each other while talking. It was a 3G network feature that gained prominence immensely. It was mandatory to have a 3G Phone to have a video call, as 3g Network could support this feature and help in aligning the range of internet required. To elaborate in a better way, it is a way of transmitting your live picture over the call and letting the other person know your whereabouts till the termination of the call.

Importance of video conferencing

With the massive intensification in the field of remote working in this modern era, video conferencing has become an effective communication tool for the recruiter or the companies to delegate and discuss important information with their clients and employees in the organization. This emerging feature acts as a beneficiary in a way to effectively conduct the meetings, be familiar with new concepts and new guidelines very easily, and form a viable connection between the employees and the superiors by assigning and completing the tasks.

It is important to know that there are certain times when an individual or an employee of a company is not available to pick a video call and everyone is not comfortable exhibiting the exact moment of their life there and then. The concerned people who arrange the meetings on video conferring must be aware of these shortcomings and conduct such meetings only when everyone is available to freely have a conversation. There shall be a short-term schedule made where everyone would be informed prior to the call that will be taking place.

Requirements before video conferencing

There are certain prerequisites to conduct a video call. It is not a formal phone call that can be conducted in a few seconds; rather, a video call requires a certain setup before the call takes place. A camera and a microphone is one of the first prerequisites. Nowadays, people have laptops, tablets, or mobile phones that are equipped with these features to avoid any hustle in their workplace. Having these devices fitted in a room, which is exclusively meant for video call meetings is a must.  Another prerequisite is an active internet connection. In order to make a video, your device has to first be connected to the internet for further processing.

It is advisable to incorporate a strong internet connection in order to have an effective call with good sound quality and good picture clarity. Incorporation of VoIP software is a must as it is a platform that is needed by hook or crook to run the video conference call. Without the installation of this, no running of the call is possible.

Effective ways to video conference skills

“Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man and writing an exact man.”

Francis Bacon

Talking further, there are ways to effectively have a video conference call. The manager or the leader conducting the call shall set a goal or a target in order to easily make the other person understand your exact motive. Since remote working is done globally, the hiring of employees is also done across the globe. Not everyone in the company is in the same time zone, thus video calls shall be conducted keeping in mind all the time zones.

Calls at an unexpected time or at an abrupt house may not lead to achieving the intended objective. Avoid distractions in any form as it does not give a good impression. Getting distracted from the surrounding portrays a feeling of non-interest towards the other person. Thus make sure that you are in a room that is vacant or the call is conducted in a quiet environment. Furthermore, patience is the key to an effective video call, it is often said, listen before you speak, therefore listening to the other person and speaking at the right time makes it convenient for everyone to get going with the conversation.

Elegant and sober attire is another thing. Especially in a country like India, where people are judged every second, it is advised to dress formally and then be live on the video call. All other countries do not care much about the kind of clothes worn during a video call. However, Decent and nondistracting attire is good to go.

Conclusion

Yes, it is certain that video conferencing is an effective way to communicate and is a feature that every other organization is adapting with the changing time. Nevertheless, one should rely on the communication tool only when face-to-face communication cannot take place. If meeting in person is possible then it is better to meet physically and talk out as it leads to quick deliverance of message and immediate feedback. In case of poor internet connection, or to conduct a casual meeting, it is advised to not do a video call and rather discuss details over a voice call.

Reference Links

1. BrainyQuote. (2019). BrainyQuote. [online] Available at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/francis_bacon_399408.
2. en.wikiquote.org. (n.d.). Egalitarianism - Wikiquote. [online] Available at: https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Egalitarianism.
3. www.goodreads.com. (n.d.). A quote from Google+ Hangouts for Business. [online] Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1293450-we-are-hard-wired-to-engage-with-those-we-trust-and.
4. www.forbes.com. (n.d.). {{meta.title}}. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/quotes/2933/.