{"id":3242,"date":"2018-05-01T10:36:29","date_gmt":"2018-05-01T14:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manycam.com\/blog\/?p=3242"},"modified":"2018-05-03T09:39:08","modified_gmt":"2018-05-03T13:39:08","slug":"web-conferencing-tips-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manycam.com\/blog\/web-conferencing-tips-9\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Web Conferencing Tips For Your Next Online Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Web conferencing is such an essential tool for businesses because it can increase productivity and efficiency while reducing costs. It might take some work to get it right at first, but with these 9 web conferencing tips, your next online meeting will be more productive, engaging and successful. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Web Conferencing Tips #1 – Location<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Whether the web conference is at your office or home, choosing the right place follows the same \u201crules.\u201d The location should be quiet and well-lit. Background noise can be very distracting to other participants, and you need to minimize distractions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lighting<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Proper lighting will help you look better on camera<\/a>. And soft lights would be even better, which is the light you would get, sitting by a window, on a cloudy but bright day. Or, if you\u2019re ready to invest, you can get a softbox. Either way, choose brighter places for your video conferences. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lighting<\/a><\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What other participants see on camera behind you, is also relevant. If you have a busy background, people might pay more attention to it, than on the meeting itself. Make sure you have a neutral backdrop that drives focus to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Web Conferencing \u00a0Tips #2 – Dress code<\/strong><\/h1>\n

For a web conference, it\u2019s crucial to dress appropriately, especially if you are the host. You don\u2019t want to overdress or underdress (but it\u2019s better to be overdressed). It will depend on who will attend the online meeting. Whether your video call is with your bosses, clients or coworkers, it will influence your clothes. When in doubt on what to wear, just dress as you would if you were going to the office.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Web Conferencing Tips #3 – Internet Connection<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Your internet connection will play a significant role in your video conference, so make sure it\u2019s powerful enough. Usually, when the web conference happens at the office, the internet connection isn\u2019t an issue. To be on the safe side, you can always look for an ethernet connection (cable) instead of wi-fi, to gain stability. <\/span><\/p>\n

At home<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re at home, double check your connection and make sure you have enough bandwidth. To test it, you can access Speedtest.net. Keep an eye out for the upload speed. You should have at least 1 Mbps per participant for a high-quality video call<\/a>. So, if you have 5 attendees, you should have 5 Mbps upload speed (Source: Lifewire<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

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Web Conferencing Tips #4 – Preparation<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Being prepared, just as you would for an in-person meeting, is key to the success of your web conference. Everyone\u2019s time is valuable, and you show them respect when everything is prepared ahead. <\/span><\/p>\n

Material<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Any material that you might need should be within your reach. The other attendees shouldn\u2019t have to wait for you, while you get up and get something, somewhere. Think about the agenda, get everything you might need for the meeting and keep it close.<\/span><\/p>\n

Online Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you plan to use slide decks, show other videos and images, websites, applications and the like, they need to be ready to go. Prepare everything before-hand on a specific folder or browser, so you don\u2019t need to look for it. <\/span><\/p>\n

A software like ManyCam can come in handy because it allows you to add multiple video sources and have it ready for the time of the call. You can add your slide deck, share your screen, websites, images, videos, webcams and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan B<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Within your preparation, you should also have a few contingency plans, just in case things go wrong, as it can happen with anything live. A few scenarios of what can go wrong:<\/span><\/p>\n