In today’s work from home era, Zoom meetings have replaced in-person meetings with colleagues and coworkers. While most employees understand office etiquette, Zoom meeting etiquette has been uncharted territory for many. 

Here are 10 tips to reduce distractions, boost professionalism, and make your Zoom meetings more productive: 

  1. Be early and ready to go.
    Log in early, test your connections, and make sure your camera and audio are working properly before the start of the call.
  2. Make sure to introduce everyone.
    If there are people on the call who have not met, be sure to introduce them at the beginning to create a welcoming environment and stimulate engagement. 
  3. Be engaged (and engaging).
    Using the video option when possible shows you are engaged in the conversation and are an active participant.  Also, body language is powerful.  Eye contact and head nodding are two simple ways to show others, “I’m paying attention.”
  4. Make extensive use of the “mute” button.
    Make it a habit to mute yourself when you’re not talking so unexpected sounds (doors shutting, dogs barking, lawn mowers roaring) don’t interrupt the call.   
  5. Stage your video area.
    Keep in mind that people aren’t just seeing you, they’re also seeing whatever the camera is pointed at behind you.  Consider using a virtual background so you can work from anywhere in your home, and not worry about what is in the background. Use of a virtual background can reduce video quality so, if that is important, just ensure that your actual background is “clean” and presentable/tasteful, but also should not be a completely bare wall or have a window with heavy light coming through.
  6. Try to look into the camera.
    If you’re presenting or speaking to a group, looking into the camera will give the appearance of eye contact with whoever you’re talking to. Be aware of this particularly if you have multiple screens. If you are reading a document or presenting material ensure that content on the same screen as your camera.
  7. Check your outfit and look professional.
    Looking presentable is important and can help you feel more like you are “at work”.  In terms of video, wearing a busy shirt during a Zoom call can be distracting. At the same time, wearing a color that blends into your virtual background can make you look like a “dancing head.” 
  8. Don’t eat during the meeting.
    It can be off-putting to watch (or hear) other people eat. Try eating either before or after your meeting.
  9. If you’re the host, stick around.
    The general rule for meeting hosts: Wait until everyone else has left the meeting before hanging up so attendees can leave at their own pace and get any final words in before disconnecting. 
  10. Don’t Zoom and drive!
    If you take anything away from this list, it should be this. Don’t Zoom and drive.  It is dangerous!