Making zoom calls is an effective way to communicate with clients and customers, but if you’re not doing it correctly, you’re not getting the most out of them. In this article, we’ll discuss some bad habits that can hurt your Zoom call efficiency, and how to avoid them. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Bad Habit #1: Not Being Prepared
You should always have an agenda for your call, and know what you want to accomplish. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time.
Bad Habit #2 Not Using Closed Captions
If you are in a meeting with people who do not all speak the same language, be sure to use zoom closed captions. This will ensure that everyone can follow along and participate in the discussion.
Bad Habit #3: Not Paying Attention to Your Body Language
Remember that even though you’re on a call, people can still see you. So, make sure you’re sitting up straight and paying attention to your facial expressions.
If you want to make the most of your Zoom calls, avoid these bad habits! With a little preparation and awareness, you can make sure every call is productive and successful.
Bad Habit #4: Not Avoiding the Camera
It is really important to have eye contact when you are on a video call. This can be difficult if you are not used to it, but it is important to try.
Bad Habit #5: Don’t Be Afraid of Silence
If you need a moment to think, that is perfectly okay! Just take a deep breath and give yourself a moment. Pausing can also be used as a way to emphasize something you’ve said.
Bad Habit #6: Not Using the Chat Function
The chat function on Zoom can be really helpful if you need to share links or documents with your fellow callers. It can also be a great way to keep track of the conversation if you need to step away for a moment.
Bad Habit #7: Not Being Afraid of Using the Mute Button
If you are in a public place or if there is background noise, please use the mute button! It can be frustrating for people on the other end of the call to try and listen to someone who is not muted.
Bad Habit #8: Not Knowing When to End the Call
If the conversation is wrapping up and there is nothing else to discuss, don’t be afraid to end the call. There is no need to drag things out longer than necessary.
Bad Habit #9: Not Being Prepared with Questions
If you want to get the most out of your call, come prepared with questions for the person or people you are speaking with. This will show that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say.
Bad Habit #10: Not Taking Breaks
If you feel yourself getting tired or frustrated, take a break! It is perfectly okay to step away from the call for a minute or two. This will help you clear your head and come back refreshed.
Bad Habit #11: Not Following Up
After the call, be sure to send a follow-up email or message. This is a great way to thank the person for their time and to let them know you are still thinking about the conversation.
Bad Habit #12: Not Utilizing Screen-Sharing
If you have a presentation or document that you want to share with the people on your call, use the screen-sharing feature. This will allow everyone to see the same thing at the same time.
Bad Habit #13: Not Checking Your Tech Before the Call
Before you start your call, be sure to test your microphone and camera. This will ensure that you are being heard and seen clearly by the other people on the call.
Bad Habit #14: Not Having a Backup Plan
If your internet connection is spotty or you know you might have trouble with your tech, have a backup plan. This could mean having a physical copy of your presentation or using a different video-conferencing platform.
Bad Habit #15: Not Minding Your Time Zone
If you are scheduling a call with someone in a different time zone, be sure to take that into account. You don’t want to start the call too early or too late for the other person.
Conclusion
If you want to make the most of your Zoom calls, avoid these bad habits! With a little preparation and awareness, you can make sure every call is productive and successful. Using zoom’s closed captioning with 3rd party could be effective for some people as well as recording the conversation for later review.