With virtual meeting tools, it's easier than ever to collaborate with your work colleagues.
While virtual meetings can be convenient, it's important to follow some simple guidelines to keep collaboration professional and productive.
A first etiquette guideline is to dress as you would for an in-person meeting while also making sure you look neat and professional—don't, for example, forget to check your hair.
Next, set up in a quiet, professional space. Be sure to close the door to the room you are in to avoid noise or distractions. Tidy up the background behind your computer.
Set up your laptop in a comfortable, professional workspace with good lighting and a perfect camera angle. Then, check your network connection, switch on your camera, and look into the direction of your camera.
As the meeting begins, greet your colleagues. Say the names of the people you speak with directly. Participate in the conversation verbally and with tools available in the virtual meeting software. If someone posts a comment in the chat box that resonates with you, for example, respond with an applicable text response or emoji.
Also, remember to mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
As the meeting concludes, take a moment to answer questions directed toward you. Answering the questions will ensure that you contributed to an informative conversation.
There are many ways to participate in a successful meeting. Participating in a successful virtual meeting, however, requires the application of a few extra rules of etiquette. By following the guidelines for virtual meeting etiquette, you can make a strong impression.