Top 10 Tips for Web Conferencing Etiquette

IT professionals and others at Rutgers share tips for web conferencing etiquette

Web conferencing tools that were unfamiliar a week ago are now becoming a key part of work-life in the new reality created by COVID-19. Now millions are trying to balance working from home and participating in meetings, while trying to get their kids to stick to the color-coded schedule on the fridge.
 
Whether you are experienced with web conferencing or just learning, it’s important to understand the best practices and etiquette, especially when you may be working or learning remotely. 

Do you really want your colleagues to hear your kids arguing about whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher? You do not. There is a simple solution: Make sure you’re on mute unless you’re the one talking.

Here are ten tips, from IT professionals and others at Rutgers, for web conferencing etiquette.

• Connect to your web conference a few minutes early, if possible, to allow time for setup.
• Check your WiFi network beforehand.
• Remove clutter or personal items around you.
• Avoid background noise.
• Consider using a headset to reduce distractions.
• Keep your device (phone, computer, etc.) on mute unless you are speaking. 
• Speak clearly, but not too loudly.
• Allow time for web conference participants to ask questions and finish speaking.
• Limit any side conversations.
• Direct questions to a specific individual on the web conference.

Want additional information? Learn more about the best practices for web conferencing from the Rutgers IT community.