Dos and Don'ts: Video Chatting for Work

Dos and Dont's: Videochatting for workI've used video chat for everything from appearing on the news to meeting with clients to making appearances on online shows. I've been on camera online so often that I've actually set up a place in my office where the conditions are ideal for chatting online. But I'm only comfortable doing video chatting thanks to the smart advice of other women online. So I asked these smart women for suggestions that can help anyone become a video chatting pro.

The absolute #1 tip for video conferencing? It's about LIGHT. "Make sure the lighting is in front of you and not behind you," says Theresa of Rock On Mommies. She's right. If you're backlight or poorly lit, the video quality goes way down and the annoyance factor of the other person involved goes way up.

Secondly, watch out for clutter. Have a clear background if possible (I actually have a bookcase, which looks nice), and choose your clothes carefully. Vera Sweeney says, "Be careful about wearing small prints (polka dots, tweed, etc). They don't translate well on video. Also be cautious about chunky jewelry, specifically necklaces. If you are mic'd, it can cause interference and make unnecessary noise with every movement."

Related: 8 healthy tips for working at a computer all day

Next up, make sure you test first! Christina of Smart Savvy Social says, "Might go without saying, but I'm saying it anyway - do a dry run beforehand! If your webcam is built into your laptop, play with the angles of the screen. Don't be afraid to put your laptop on a stack of books to make it higher to get the most flattering angle."

Professionalism is important, too. "Pick up any toys or out-of-place items. Make sure they're out of view," says Theresa. Kadi Prescott of Our Seven Seeds goes further. "If you're trying to impress, don't allow your kids to be running around. Otherwise, you'll look like you don't have your act together, and no company wants a woman who cannot switch to business mode."

Related: 5 ways you look digitally unprofessional

Kadi has one other great point. "When the other person is talking, don't start looking around or adjusting your camera, fixing your hair, etc. Look at the speaker and stay interested." I know I often get an urge to check email or Twitter while on a video call. I try to instead remember to focus on the speaker instead.

Got more tips? Leave them in the comments.

- By Cecily Kellogg

Would most women work, even if they didn't have to? Find out on Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE

The pros and cons of being a digital entrepreneur
20 signs you're definitely a blogger
11 clever ways to organize your home office
5 things everyone does on Twitter that they shouldn't
13 celebrities we wish would start a blog


Stay connected. Follow Babble on Facebook and Twitter.