The novel coronavirus outbreak has led to countries going under lockdown and has resulted in tech conferences being cancelled. As companies have closed down their offices, they have asked their employees to work from their homes. Chances are that you have also been affected and have switched most of your in-person meetings to video conference calls.
Initially, working from home might sound like the best idea. However, doing all the IT work on your own can be a real hassle. With work being affected, the last thing you need is a technical difficulty. Since there is no one who can help you troubleshoot the problem, you are all you have. Before you make that video conference call, it is crucial that you ensure that everything is right by checking out Video Conferencing Kenya. To maximize the effectiveness of your video conference calls, the following tips will prove useful.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important video conferencing tips that you need to keep in mind is being aware of your surroundings. Know what is happening around you if you have to appear on the camera during the call. If you live next to a noisy street, you should consider closing the window and flipping on a light so that you can be seen on call. Make sure to check out Logitech Video Conferencing Kenya. All you need is a soft fill on your face. This is why it is a good idea to use a desk lamp which provides the perfect shade. Keep in mind that harsh, direct light should be avoided at all costs. For instance, if you have huge windows, you could face towards the windows to allow the natural light to light you up. You should open the camera to find out the perfect spot before you take that conference call. It will help you look your best on call.
- Be Creative about How You Connect
Generally, most of the companies tend to have a favorite service that they prefer using. It could be Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype. If you are using a personal computer, it is important that you install the appropriate app for desktop or click on the link to log into your account. But, if you need to think fast about which video call service to use, it is important that you keep in mind that the majority of mobile messaging apps these days have video capabilities. Apps such as Google Hangouts, Signal, and Facebook Messenger allow limited video calling. Besides, most of the services have desktop and web apps that you can use. You can also consider using Face Time as it supports phone calls on a computer and allows group chats.
- Clear Those Bandwidth Hogs
When it comes to video chats, one of its downsides is that they produce pixelated screens and have terrible audio due to the bandwidth. If you need to make a few video calls, you should consider whether the smart devices are not hogging the connection. Moreover, if have kids and they live to stream video games or streaming sites such as Disney+, it is important that you tell them to take a break and do something else that does not slow down the internet connection. You should also check your PC activity to ensure that the activity does not disrupt the video call. It is a good idea to check the internet speed to determine what you are working with and if you are even getting what is paid for. If you think that someone is stealing your wifi, it is important that you use the connection’s resources to find out and change the wifi password so that they can no longer steal your valuable wifi connection.
- Log In Early
Instead of waiting for the meeting to begin to check out your internet connection and if the software works properly, you should test it early on. Zoom even has a test feature that you can use to determine if the service works or not. If you are using Skype, you can head over to your profile and choose Settings and click on Audio & Video Settings. Once there, you will find a camera preview right below the video section. You can also test audio quality by making a test call.
- Opt For a Wired Connection
If your wifi is causing trouble, it might be time to get out that Ethernet cable and opt for a direct connection. It will cut down on sudden dropouts and potential speed issues. However, if your laptop does not have a port for the Ethernet cable, you can use a USB for Ethernet.
- Avoid Feedback
Do not reply on the built-in microphone or speakers of your laptop. Instead, get yourself decent gaming headphones or Bluetooth headset which you can use for the call. They will easily connect with your computer and provide you with the best experience.
- Do Not Forget About the Charger
If you plan to participate in a long conference call, you need to be prepared. Long conference calls quickly drain your laptop or smartphone battery. To avoid the laptop or smartphone from switching off when you are in the middle of an important conversation, keep your charger beside you. It is crucial that you keep the laptop charger plugged in. You could also use a powerful portable charger that will recharge your laptop in just a few minutes such as the I-MUTO Portable Charger X6 Pro.
- Always Have a Backup Plan
Before you proceed with the video conference call, you should always have a backup plan in the back of your mind. It does not matter what service you use, a backup plan will help you stay in the game. Whether you should switch to your laptop from your smartphone or vice-versa, or change your surrounding area, always have a backup plan.
Conclusion
The video conferencing tips mention in this post will help you make the most of your conference call and ensure that you do not get disconnected.