For working parents, adaptability is essential. And as a working mother who occasionally works from home, technology allows me to be adaptable. My child gets ill sometimes, or I have to call a plumber to fix the toilet. These days, staying on top of meetings is often achieved through videoconferencing, therefore I consider myself fortunate to have a position that allows me to work remotely. However, home video conferencing terminals are not always simple. The dog barks, the kids clamber all over you, background noise is there, and so on. I’ve made a lot of blunders and experienced some unpleasant situations, but I’ve also picked up some new skills. Here are my best suggestions for doing effective home video conferences.

Select the appropriate setting 

Video calls work better for me when I want to discuss a complicated problem or generate ideas than email or chat. They also assist me in acclimating to colleagues who are in other time zones. But pay attention to your surroundings, including the background, when you’re on the phone. 

Select a wall with no pattern, and stay away from windows that will let in too much backlight. Additionally, place the laptop you’re using somewhere stable. The other participant informed me after a video conversation I had when I used my laptop on my lap that the little trembling of the screen was quite distracting.

Anyone is welcome at any time

It’s not always necessary to organize videoconferencing; if an email exchange becomes too long, you may quickly call a conference and invite individuals from your company or beyond to attend. You may invite people via phone, email, or Google Calendar event. It automatically generates international dial-in numbers so that anyone can call from wherever. To get going, check  out the help center.

Not able to hear? Activate the captions

The live caption function allows you to view captions in real-time, much like closed captions on TV, if you’re in a noisy environment and don’t have expensive headphones.

Communicate only what you intend to communicate. 

Is there anything more satisfying than sharing your screen with someone and all of a sudden having everyone on the call see your email? Present just one window instead of your whole screen to ensure that you are only sharing what you intend to share. Examine it. 

Do you want to scan the space? Modify the screen’s arrangement

Having the ability to customize the video call’s layout is best all in one video conference system. If there’s a vigorous debate taking on in the office while someone is presenting slides, you may change the arrangement such that the people in the room are the main emphasis instead of the presentation.

Be truthful

Everybody has a life apart from their jobs. Depending on the culture of your place of employment, it may be acceptable—even beneficial—to display a little portion of the “real” world around you. For example, you might be able to have lunch after spending the whole day taking calls from your child. Sharing a small portion of your personal life with colleagues might help you build stronger relationships and perhaps inspire empathy for whatever personal struggles you may be facing.