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Video Call Etiquette: The Complete Guide

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Mute yourself when not speaking

Keeping your mic off when you are not talking is basic etiquette that keeps background noise from disrupting the meeting.

Test your camera and mic before the meeting

Checking that your camera and microphone are working properly before the meeting starts helps avoid a delayed start.

Position your camera at eye level

A camera angle that is too low or too high can feel awkward for the other participants, so adjusting it to eye level keeps eye contact natural.

Prepare a suitable background

Using a tidy space or a virtual background instead of a cluttered one gives a more professional impression.

Secure a stable internet connection

A choppy video feed or delayed audio can disrupt the flow of a meeting, so using a wired connection or reliable Wi-Fi when possible is a good idea.

Use the raise-hand feature to request the floor

In meetings with many participants, using the raise-hand feature to avoid talking over each other helps keep the discussion orderly.

Dress appropriately

Even when working from home, dressing neatly for a work video call is generally considered good manners.

Essential manners for the remote work era

Now that video calls are part of everyday work, following some basic etiquette can significantly change both the quality of the meeting and the impression you make on others. These habits may seem minor, but when everyone follows them, they add up to a much more effective meeting culture.

Curious about professional email phrasing too?

If you want to brush up on other aspects of business communication, the business email phrases guide is worth checking out as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use a virtual background?

Yes, it is a standard feature supported by most video call platforms, and it can be genuinely useful when your actual background is messy or you are concerned about privacy.

What should I do if my internet drops while I am speaking?

As soon as your connection comes back, briefly explain what happened in the chat, and if you missed part of the discussion, politely asking another participant for a quick recap is the smoothest way to handle it.