FAQs About Video Conferencing

These FAQs aim to answer some of the most common questions about video conferencing. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered below, please feel free to get in touch.

Question: What is a video conference?
Answer: A video conference is a commonly used business tool that lets users, who are often in remote locations, use both voice and video to communicate in real-time. This is a useful development, since it enables the all-important visual element, making video conference attendees feel as if they are all in the same room. This helps create a more personal and natural conversation.

Question: What tools do I need to begin video conferencing?
Answer: First, you will need a webcam, which will allow you to broadcast a video of yourself to your colleagues. You will also need a USB headset, which will enable you to listen to the conference and also be heard by other conference attendees. Then, you will need a video conferencing tool. There are a variety of free and paid-for online video conferencing apps available for you to choose from. The main feature you will need to look for is of course, the ability to send and receive video in good quality.

Question: When would I choose a video conference over a web conference?
Answer: You would normally choose a video conference if you’re trying to create the feeling that your meeting participants are really all in the same room. Video conferences are a great choice for remotely closing business, or for a CEO who wants to address multiple office locations at the same time. If your meeting is more presentation-based, then a web conference would be a better choice as the attention should be on the material being presented and not on the people attending the meeting.

Question: What are the best video conferencing tools around?
Answer: This depends very much on your budget, the kinds of video conferences that you plan on doing, and your personal preference regarding the look and feel of the tool. I have compiled a list of the five best video conferencing tools, which should help you make your choice.  Remember that the main feature you need to look for is reliability. Since a video conference takes more bandwidth than a regular web conference using only voice, your conference could suffer from low quality video and even voice if you choose a flimsy tool or if you have a poor Internet connection (see how to select an ISP for your home office or how to speed up your Internet access for help on that front). So you need a tool that is light and efficient, and that won’t drop your conference when you decide to share video.

Question: What is the etiquette for video conferencing?
Answer: Even if you work from home, you need to make sure that you look business-appropriate. Use your company’s dress code to help you decide what to wear. You should never appear on camera while still putting make up on, or when you've skipped shaving. You should also dress appropriately from top to bottom. So no suit at the top, but pyjama pants at the bottom. You never know when you will have to get up to get a document, for example. Also, make sure that your surroundings look neat and professional. Sit up straight, and look attentive. Think of your video conference as any other in-person meeting, and you won’t commit any gaffes.