| |
As the economic climate continues to curtail business travel, more companies are turning to video conferencing as a routine and effective way to collaborate virtually with stakeholders around the world. As with all mediums of communication, some approaches can be more effective than others. Therefore, ACT Conferencing, a global provider of audio, web and video conferencing solutions, today issued five essential tips to help businesses enhance their video conferencing skills.
The benefits of video conferencing are many. From decreased travel that saves time and money to faster decision making and a reduced carbon footprint, video conferencing is positively impacting businesses worldwide.
“Video conferencing is gaining popularity as a valuable business tool so it’s increasingly important for businesses to ensure employees understand the basics of video conferencing rather than relying on IT personnel for every call,” said Gary Iles, senior director of strategy and product management, ACT Conferencing. “By issuing some basic guidelines, ACT hopes to enhance the user experience and make the entrance into virtual collaboration a positive one.”
With 80 percent of communication consisting of non-verbal and visual cues, the use of video conferencing means that businesses can communicate more effectively with clients and colleagues. Expressions are better understood, confusion can quickly be addressed, and working relationships can be better maintained. By following ACT’s top five tips, businesses can gain an even greater return from their video conferencing services.
ACT’s TOP FIVE TIPS
Know your system. Surprisingly some 75 percent of video conferences don’t work the first time due to a lack of understanding of the technology. Take time to learn how to use the technology or contact your video conferencing provider to ensure they can easily facilitate your video conference. ACT offers its clients on-site support from start to finish via its new managed services offering to ensure real-time, 24x7 support.
Assign a chairperson. Running a video conference, which can include three to 30 sites with potentially thousands of participants, is no easy feat. Be sure your chairperson is an effective manager who can command the attention of a large number of people. As an alternative option, ACT offers its clients an event producer who is specially trained to manage video conferences of all sizes.
Dress for the occasion. Video conferencing means both audio and visual communication so how you look matters. Bright colors and busy patterns can negatively impact the picture quality which can be distracting. Solid colors and neutrals work best over video.
Clear speech is key. Face the speaker system and speak clearly. When asking questions, direct each question to a specific participant whenever possible as open discussions can be confusing when several people are participating.
Stay in one place. Check your visibility on screen to be sure you have not moved out of range of sight during the conference. Also, avoid fidgeting. Rustling papers or tapping pens can be distracting to other participants.
For more video conferencing tips, watch this interview with ACT’s Steve Sida, global product manager of video collaboration.
About ACT Conferencing
Established in 1989, ACT Conferencing (actconferencing.com) is a global provider of corporate audio, web and video collaboration services. ACT’s integrated platforms provide managed, international and local-language services. The company is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, with operations in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore and the UK.
Cautionary Statements
Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts, such as those discussing future plans and management’s beliefs, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, future economic conditions, competitive services and pricing, new competitor entry, availability of financing, the delivery of services under existing contracts and other factors. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our industry and business and include statements about markets for our products and services, and development and expansion of products. ACT does not expect and disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
|
michelle[.]chasecomm.net 
