{"id":4106,"date":"2019-09-26T09:02:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T13:02:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manycam.com\/blog\/?p=4106"},"modified":"2020-09-28T14:10:49","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T18:10:49","slug":"conduct-video-conferences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manycam.com\/blog\/conduct-video-conferences\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Conduct Video Conferences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we conduct video conferences, one of the goals is to increase productivity in communication. That goal can only be achieved if we get the participants\u2019 full attention. But how?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Attending video conferences and conducting them are two completely different things. When the responsibility of conducting video conferences falls on you, you get a chance to increase efficiency and reach better results in communication. Let’s get you ready to conduct video conferences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog post, we\u2019ve put together actionable tips that can help you conduct video conferences with ease while increasing engagement and improving communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to enhance your video conferences? Download ManyCam for Free today!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to conduct video conferences<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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There are many ways to conduct video conferences effectively, and each industry most likely has their \u201cdos and don\u2019ts.\u201d But, when we consider video conferencing a live communication tool, it\u2019s possible to apply live video concepts and techniques across all fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of your industry, when you conduct video conferences, it\u2019s vital to captivate your audience. Even if your audience is comprised of one person. What\u2019s more, you\u2019ll have to put in action the basics of video conferencing and follow a certain \u201cetiquette.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, when conducting video conferences, engagement is crucial. This is a fundamental element of live video in general, and online meetings are no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Captivating your audience<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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If we look back at video conferences we\u2019ve attended in the past, many of them were, well, boring. More often than not, participants struggle to keep focused on the meeting. Though that can be an issue of in-person meetings as well as online meetings, the online aspect adds a new layer of distraction potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how can you beat distractions and get your attendees attention?
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Engagement & Interaction <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two key elements can help you captivate them, engagement and interaction. We\u2019ll talk more about engagement below but it\u2019s all about creating an exciting experience for all participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interaction plays a big role in video conferences because when people feel valued, they tend to pay more attention. Otherwise, if they are not going to participate at all, a recorded video would have done the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in it for them?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important question you can ask yourself before even inviting participants is What\u2019s in it for them? Perhaps they will learn something that will help them achieve better results. Or, it\u2019s an opportunity for them to shine and voice their opinion on a matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any meeting has its goals, but they might differ from each attendees motivation for being fully present. When you give them a good enough reason, participants will be more engaged, attentive, and interested, which is vital for any successful video conference<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before your meetings, think about the compelling reasons for them to attend and make sure they are aware of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The basics when conducting video conferences<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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\"Prepare<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Test your equipment beforehand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Testing your video conferencing setup will ensure you have everything in place. It’s key to be prepared for your video call<\/a>. During your video call, you\u2019ll still have to keep an eye on the gear but, when you test in advance, it gives you more time to focus on what matters, which are the goals of the meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This live video checklist<\/a>, though it was created for live streams, fits perfectly for video conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Send a reminder before the meeting starts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sending all participants a reminder that the web conference is about to start can help you increase attendance. Also, you can offer to help others test their equipment with you before the time scheduled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduce yourself and participants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people overlook the introduction of a video conference. Introducing yourself and other participants can help you create better relationships. Plus, it allows you to get others to interact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State the goals and agenda of the meeting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The beginning of your meeting is also the perfect time to state your goals and agenda. When they know what to expect, it\u2019s easier for them to keep up with the meeting. Plus, you can give them some teasers to hold their attention until the end of the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep everyone engaged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Addressing participants by name and raising the interaction allows you to keep people engaged. Others need to have a chance to talk during the online meeting or use a chat function to share what\u2019s on their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Video conferencing etiquette<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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Here are some quick video conferencing etiquette tips that you can share with all attendees. It will make each conference much more productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mute microphones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All participants should mute microphones when they aren\u2019t speaking. That goes for you as well. It allows the audio to be much clearer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headphones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Advise all attendees to use headphones during the call to avoid getting feedback sound, which will certainly distract everyone. A headset with a microphone will increase the audio quality of your video call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During any video call or conference, there\u2019s usually a delay between the time a person said something and the time all participants heard it. A stable internet connection and proper software applications can minimize that but not completely mitigated. When you talk or listen, it\u2019s essential to keep the delay in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlled movements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another essential video conferencing etiquette tip is to be aware of your movements. The webcam during a video call tend to show your face and part of your upper body, so there\u2019s not much room to move around. Abrupt movements can be distracting, and continuous movements might annoy the participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking that into consideration will help you improve your video conferences while keeping participants focused on the topic at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Video conference engagement<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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Increasing the engagement during video conferences can make a massive difference in the results you achieve. Whether your goal with the video conference is to solve problems, implement new procedures, or update and motivate the team, conducting a highly engaging video conference will get you there. Or, at least, much closer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How can you increase engagement on video conferences?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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\"Live<\/figure>\n\n\n\n