Videoconferencing Etiquette
- Mute your microphone when you are not using it
Unmuted microphones are the single most important problem in videoconferences. We often see systems capturing the conference with no one present in the room just from noise, or from people talking to each other, or from people answering telephone calls. This can be disruptive to the others in the conference, especially the presenters, and it can often be embarrassing when people do not realize their conversations are being sent to everyone in the conference. - Do not cause echo
We have found that echoes are another leading problem in videoconferences. Use a system that has good echo canceling capabilities like Polycom H.323 clients. If this is not possible, use a headset, or provide external echo cancellation equipment. Remember, you will not hear the echo that you cause, but everyone else in the conference will hear the echo you cause. - Do not use a NetMeeting client
While the T.120 data sharing capabilities of Netmeeting work well, we have experienced many problems trying to use the audio/video capabilities of NetMeeting in a multipoint videoconference. - Monitor your email and telephone
for late-breaking announcements and for information about systems that may be causing problems. - Accept imperfections
Do not complain and spoil the show. - Eliminate background noises
Do not tap on the table with hands or pens. Try not to rustle paper. Eliminate noises from fans, disks, etc. - Provide good lighting on your face
Do not use back lighting. - All participants should label their sites clearly
Use legible signs to identify people when they are talking. - Make sure that you have set your H.323 alias to your email address
This has little impact on your side, but it affects how you are presented on the MCU status displays. Otherwise, system administrators receive default entries that make little sense when they are debugging problems. - When you start talking, JUST KEEP TALKING!
Do not say "can you hear me?" or anything like that. Assume that everything is working fine. You will be interrupted if something is wrong. - Talk directly into the microphone Do not turn your head from side to side while talking or your voice will fade in and out at the remote site.
 |
 |
Northwestern Home|
Northwestern Search
|