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Zoom, Skype video meeting do’s and don’ts from an etiquette coach

With most meetings taking place behind screens rather than across the boardroom — but what is the right etiquette. Can you eat a burger? Should you be patting your dog? Find out the right rules and watch some of the worst virtual meetings here.

Mitchell Van HomrighMitchell Van Homrigh
@Moosk
less than 2 min read
April 15, 2020 - 5:24AM
Working from home: a survival guide

Plan ahead, keep your room animal free and do not forget to mute your microphone are just some of the etiquette tips for your virtual meetings.

With strict social distancing in place meetings are taking place behind screens in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms rather than the boardroom.

Sydney-based etiquette expert Anna Musson said there are some simple ways to avoid online embarrassment.

Small business owner Ben Lucas has taken to catching up with staff online.
Small business owner Ben Lucas has taken to catching up with staff online.

“The host of the meeting sets the rules, when greeting everyone, outlines a time frame and how and when to ask questions,” she said.

“Pants may be optional but take time to prepare as you would for a normal meeting, go to the bathroom, check your appearance.

“Do a test run, check the lighting, check the sound and rethink the novelty background. The space you’re sitting in should be a tidy and professional area.”

Etiquette coach Anna Musson said it is not acceptable to eat a burger on a work call.
Etiquette coach Anna Musson said it is not acceptable to eat a burger on a work call.

Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts and Zoom are just some of the programs people have used to stay connected.

However the internet is a flutter with mistakes made while on a call – including singing, heavy breathing and a nude partner in the background.

Director of Flow Athletic Ben Lucas, 41, told The Daily Telegraph he has taken a relaxed approach to holding meetings with his 30 staff online.

“We have a weekly zoom catch up on a Thursday, then just our normal check-ins. This Friday we’re actually having a Zoom dinner party,” he said.

“In the current climate, our meetings are a bit more laid back, we are a bit more social and they really are just a good way to check on our team’s welfare. We are using the video chats to make sure their mental and physical health is in a good space.”

Small business owner Ben Lucas has taken to catching up with staff online.
Small business owner Ben Lucas has taken to catching up with staff online.

Anna Musson’s don’ts during a virtual meeting.

Don’t be walking or driving makes you seem less engaged

Don’t be late.

Don’t be wearing your pyjamas or still in bed

Don’t leave your mic on for the duration of the meeting

Don’t eat – turning your camera on and off to eat a burger is a dead giveaway

Don’t ramble when you are talking

Some of best (worst) virtual meeting fail s

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/zoom-skype-video-meeting-dos-and-donts-from-an-etiquette-coach/news-story/bfeb49a9beb6138cbd4ba5853d78d3ba