Working online has now become common, thanks to the ongoing pandemic. All that trouble of traveling to the office and fake smiles to annoying colleagues can now be avoided until necessary. Though the world has transitioned online, etiquettes and manners need to be retained in a professional setting. Your drastic change in clothing from the upper half of the body that shows on the screen won’t matter if you have negligible online meeting etiquettes. 

Though virtual meetings and face-to-face appointments accomplish the same agendas, the different modes of communications you use have unique challenges each. Make a professional and appropriate impression during online meetings with this simple checklist.

1. The meeting agenda

A meeting agenda keep meets in line with the work at hand, ensuring important items are not missed. Agendas keep meets concise and prevent them from taking too much time. Always have an agenda for a meeting to get to the point of business and solve it quickly.

2. Dress appropriately 

Showing up in your pyjamas and unkempt hair is a big no-no for online meetings too. When you attend a meeting, your hair must be tied up properly, and your outfit should be clean and casual business style. Do not assume that the attendees cannot see anything below your waist because if they can, then you’re assumed to be unprofessional. The way you speak and dress says a lot about you, even virtually.

3. Appropriate background or surroundings

Your room is cramped, but your screen shouldn’t be. When attending an online meeting, make sure your surroundings are neat and clean. It should have a sober aura. The voices in the background can cause the meeting to disrupt, so it is a good idea to let the others in your home know not to make noise.

4. Mute microphone when you’re not talking

An unmuted microphone catches other sounds when you are not talking and causes distractions in the meeting. The background noise shouldn’t disturb your colleague as they make their ideas clear. You must mute your microphone when you are not the one talking.

5. No eating during meetings

There will be times when meetings go on for a long time. Though understandably, you might be hungry after some time, it is not a good idea to eat during meetings. You can turn off your camera and microphone when you do take a break- but eating while the video is on distracts you and even makes you look unprofessional.

6. Say hello

Online meeting etiquettes demand that you introduce yourself to the attendees and greet them. This lets everyone know you and understand your background. though, never interrupt or talk over someone while introducing yourself. Announce your name and tell everyone a line about you- say hello.

7. Camera and you

There is nothing to get nervous about when a camera is on you. Make sure you speak clearly and confidently while looking at the camera. Do not try to multitask. Your body language speaks for you- make sure your posture is proper and gives positively. Be seen and heard properly.

These are some etiquettes you need to follow to make an ever-lasting impression on your colleagues and clients who meet you virtually. Remember what to avoid during an online meeting with these points. 

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