If you are new to the world of video chat, or the world of telecommute there are some basic rules to using a video chat.
- Dress professionally. Unless your normal office environment is a casual one you will want to dress like you would to go in. If you have to stand up or sit at a distance this means full body. Your black sweat pants won’t fool anyone.
- Remember your lens range and bring things that you are talking about into view. Talking about the chart that no one can see isn’t productive.
- Find your body space before the conference/meeting. You head, shoulders and upper 1/3 of your torso should fit comfortably into the screen, without dominating it. Don’t be too big or too small. If you are still unsure about what is right look at a television news caster.
From here on in it is standard meeting etiquette. Remember that video chat is the telecommuters version of going on a business trip.