Welcome back.
This week I would like to review video calling etiquette. Having just been the victim of a friend’s video call, I thought it might be a good idea to make you aware of some of the traps.
Many thanks to my colleague Maria Simmons for her assistance with this installment.
Top ten dos and don’ts when video calling
If you have got your new Next G™ handset you will want to use and experience all the funky new features – especially video calling. How great will it be to see what Great Aunt Agnes actually looks like or to be able to see your kids when you talk to them?
However, before you get busy video calling everyone you know, take a few minutes to brush up on our top ten video calling handy hints. That way you will make your first video call a memorable one – for all the right reasons!
1. Consider the time
Don’t ambush someone with a video call. It’s probably best if you set a time to call in advance and unless you are calling your family or close friends– don’t call too early (or late). After all, you never know where they might be and no one wants to be caught out while they are still in their pyjamas (or worse)!
2. What are you wearing?
Some clothes aren’t made for the screen. Loud shirts and busy patterns do not improve on a video call. Try to avoid stripes as they shimmer on camera and dark clothes in a dark room can make it difficult for the other party to see you (see also point 6 on backlighting).
3. Body language
Remember a video call allows you to be seen. The faces you pull and other gestures that you can get away with on a voice call will be on full display to the other party. That means no scratching, stretching, yawning or checking your watch – well, not unless you really want to appear as being bored to death.
4. Speak clearly and stay still
You have now become a TV presenter of your own show. Unless you are a game show host try to avoid unnecessary movement – however, don’t over do it and become a store dummy.
5. Remember camera angles
Hold the camera level with your face. No one wants to see up your nose. Remember even a 45 degree tilt means that the other party will see more of your nose than your face. After all, do you really want to be remembered as the person with the huge nostrils?
6. Lighting and background
A video call is like a photograph – a bright background (such as a window) will turn you into a silhouette making it difficult for the other party to see you. You might be lucky enough to be on the 33rd floor with a fantastic ocean view but the other party wants to see and talk to you – not your fantastic view.
7. Dining
Avoid eating during a video call. Chomping on your lunch or chewing gum is not the most attractive way to present yourself. Remember the golden rule - if you wouldn’t do it face to face – don’t do it over a video call.
8. Introductions
If there are other people in the room when you make a video call don’t forget to introduce them. It’s only polite to let the other party know that other people are listening in - especially if they are out of the camera’s view laughing at your big nostrils (see point 5).
9. Hello, Goodbye
Greetings when video calling are possibly more important than on a ‘normal’ phone as now you can be seen as well as heard. Smile when you make or answer a video call and when saying ‘bye-bye’ don’t forget to wave or blow a kiss. Note though that blowing a kiss is probably best reserved for family and friends as your boss may not appreciate the gesture.
10. Share your experiences
Whether you are in Kakadu, Uluru, or Humpty Doo your video phone can help you share the experience with your family and friends. Just remember though that swimming pools and sports grounds can be a no-no and don’t think you can send a video of that little black dress to your best mate for her opinion – the shopkeeper might be worried that you are stealing their designs.
Video calls in public places can be annoying and considered an invasion of other people's privacy such as on a crowded train. However, as with all things in life with a little consideration for those around you - video calling can provide experiences not available by using voice only or text.
So, now having read these hints and tips for successful video calling you will now be ready to take the video world by the nostrils. Happy Calling.