While working remotely from our homes, our clothing attire and grooming practices are more than likely a bit more relaxed than if we were on an LLCC campus. Yet, we are still here, ready to face the day and tackle new challenges and opportunities presented to us. In doing so, we may find ourselves meeting with other LLCC employees or students via a video conference with Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Below you will find some tips to help you make the most of each video conference you participate in.

Do’s

1. Test your hardware and internet connection beforehand. This includes the microphone or webcam and software application.
2. Blur or change your background.
   1. You can hide the appearance of your chosen space via background features offered in some video conferencing clients.
   2. For example, Zoom allows its users to add a fun virtual background to their video instead of just showing the contents of a messy room.
   3. Microsoft Teams offers a “background blur” feature under … More actions that allows you to blur your actual background and places the focus of your video on you. Note: this is only available in a scheduled Meeting you are attending.
3. Know when to video conference and when to communicate via email or phone.
   1. Longer conversations and remote training sessions are the best uses for video calls or when an in-person meeting must take place while working remotely.
4. Find a quiet, private space, or use a white noise machine.
5. Mute your microphone when not speaking and attending a group meeting.
6. Be courteous to other participants.
7. Speak clearly.
8. Keep body movements minimal.
9. Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
10. Dress appropriately. Wear your LLCC spirit wear if in doubt!
11. Be yourself and have fun!

Dont’s

1. Talk over each other. Use the chat function to ask questions, but take care not to carry on side conversations.
2. Shout.
3. Interrupt other speakers.
4. Wear noisy jewelry.
5. Sit in an open and noisy location. Distracting noises can include, but are not limited to other conversations, dogs barking, television playing and/or exterior noises, such as lawn mowing, traffic, etc.
6. Eat, unwrap candy, food or other wrappers, slurp liquids, or noisily chew gum (no blowing bubbles).
7. Make distracting sounds, noises and/or fidgeting.
8. Lose focus on the meeting and do other things.
9. Look sloppy. Save the robe or pajamas for offline work.