Teleconferencing Etiquette

You can inadvertently put on a display of bad manners unless you are clued in to the new rules for the electronic meeting place.

• Be prepared. Bring everything you might need to the meeting. You don’t want people to be staring at a blank screen while you go to fetch something.
• Dress down. The camera can distort bright colors, and bright tones and patterns will come across more intensely. Pale blue shirts are better than white. The camera will compensate for the brightness of a white shirt, making your face look darker. The camera doesn’t like white, so you might want to take notes on blue paper.
• Think details. Take it easy on the makeup and jewelry. Men should minimize five-o’clock shadow.
• Sit up straight. Posture is more important than ever.
• Don’t look at the monitor. Speak to the camera lens. Stay within the range of the camera. When you move out of camera range, people wonder what you’re doing.

Teleconferencing has become so commonplace that a rehearsal or two is a good investment of time and money. Gather some colleagues and stage a meeting. The tape should provide some important tips and insights.