Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Gothenburg released their latest research on video conference best practices and Engaging Virtual Meetings’ author John Chen reviews the best practices.
Click to read the article – https://www.techlearning.com/news/zoomvideo-conferencing-best-practices-revealed-in-new-research?fbclid=IwAR1jcLDhpslSgvId4mm08ey8-wAthvhfaXT542HUf85qt3KSv8GSQOK-ABY
- Look at the camera – I AGREE! I tell speakers to make their main points speaking to the camera. Best tip is to make a post-it with eyes and put it around your camera to remind you to look. High-tech solutions like The Center Cam are good too. (No promotions are give to us)
- Camera Angle and Distance – I AGREE! Camera height should match your eyes. Too high, it will look down on you and remove your authority. Too low and it will look up your nose and make it like you’re looking down on your audience. They say distance middle of the road. I say about an arm’s length away depending on you camera.
The article then linked to Stanford’s research on Zoom Fatigue. Click to read the article – https://www.techlearning.com/news/why-zoom-fatigue-occurs-and-how-educators-can-overcome-it.
- Zoom Fatigue – IT’S REAL! The article linked to research on Zoom Fatigue. It is a real phenomenon. I have experienced it personally. I have also produced a 25.5 hour Zoom meeting so it’s possible to beat it.
- Too Much Eye Contact – I AGREE! Take time to naturally turn away and come back to the conversation
- Turn Off Self View – SOMETIMES if this affects you. For me, I’ve gotten used to it and it helps me see what my attendees are seeing. In my 1:1 meeting, I PIN (right click on their video and then click Pin) the video of the other person to my screen. This will maximize their size and make your video small. Their eyes will be closer to the camera. It will be the closest to having a 1:1 if you do this.
- Lack of Movement – I AGREE and even though I have a wireless microphone, I find I still spend 90% of my time seated at my computer. Even though I can walk around, it’s distracting to the speaker as it’s still new to most people. I get more movement by standing up at my computer and turning off my camera to move around.
- Too Much of a Good Thing? – I AGREE AND find it challenging in reality. Find a way to stand up. Use boxes or buy a lift desk. I found one for $300 used (retail $1,500). I find if I stand up for more than an hour, my legs start to hurt. Let people know you’re still listening but you’re going to get up. Better yet is to get a long cable or wireless mic and you can still communicate when moving around
- No Nonverbal Cues – I DISAGREE! I agree we have less nonverbal cues and if you have your camera on, your nonverbal cues are very valuable. Other research says use more hand gestures and facial expressions to create more trust and executive presence.
- Turn Off Your Camera – I MOSTLY DISAGREE! They recommend “Hide Self” which is useful if you are affected by your own video. I recommend keeping your camera on unless you are doing something visually distracting so the speaker and other attendees can see you react to the meeting.
- Take a Break From The Video Feed – I PARTIALLY AGREE. Look away is natural. Often, as an attendee, I focus on the chat if I’m fully engaged and that’s a valid way to take a break from the video feed.
- Create a Setup That Encourages Movement – I AGREE! Just like in-person meetings, get up, walk around, take advantage of the breaks or make your own. I also use a yoga ball now as a chair and I find I get movement and core work all day long even while sitting.
Overall, great article with research to back up the best practices for your virtual meeting. Many of these strategies I employ when I produced a 25 1/2-hour Zoom meeting. Know it’s possible and you can find the rest of the ways that you personally can do more and stay healthy.
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