Videoconferencing Faculty Resources
Reference Manuals
Videoconferencing Tips
- Take time to familiarize yourself with the videoconferencing equipment.
- Learn how to use any accessories or peripherals, such as document cameras, computers, DVD players or VCRs.
- Arrange a test conference beforehand, either to another site, or to a demo with our office.
- Call the Videoconference Department to arrange this test at 954-262-4930.
- Have or request a videoconference technician present for each site.
- Distribute any needed materials before the meeting or class.
- Begin on time and stay focused on the goals of your meeting.
- Introduce yourself and all of the conference participants.
- Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
- Speak in your normal voice. Be clear, but do not shout.
- Use natural gestures when you speak, just as you would if you were in the same room.
- Avoid interrupting another speaker.
- Always assume the far site can hear you, even when you think the microphones are muted.
- Adjust your camera so the far site can see all participants.
- Make sure you can see all participants at the far site.
- Fill the screen with people, rather than tables, chairs and wall space.
- Be careful not to zoom in to close.
- Remember to return to showing people after you have shown slides, documents, or other content.
- Position microphones in the center of the table.
- Make sure that the microphones are not muted or blocked by anything placed on them.
- Adjust the volume on the monitor to an appropriate level.
- Mute microphones when a phone rings.
- Ensure that the microphones do not pick up unwanted sounds:
- Avoid rustling paper, tapping, or making any other distracting noises.
- Limit side conversations, even quiet talking and whispering.
- Mute microphones before moving them.
- Do not place a laptop close to a microphone. Laptop fans can be noisy.
- To limit background noise in a multi-point call, mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
- Close drapes or blinds, as daylight may conflict with room lighting.
- Avoid backlighting and white walls to reduce glare.
- Choose light pastels and muted colors for best video appearance.
- Avoid bright colored clothing, solid back or red and busy patterns (small checks and narrow stripes).
- If you wear white, add a dark jacket or sweater to improve contrast.
- Avoid clothes that match the wall or backdrop color.
- Be aware of jewelry that jingles, as the microphones will pick up this sound.
- Try to avoid red or dark lipstick, and dark eye shadows.