Biggest pet peeve when sitting on video calls?

Question

It's been a minute since we all hopped onto video conferencing so we could remember what our co-workers looked like.

You'd think we'd all be experts at communicating over video by now, but turns out...we aren't.

Curious to hear what feels like nails on a chalkboard when you're on a video call?

Rachel Cossar · Accepted Answer

@reuben_carter @dawn_veltri1 Yep. When people look at other screens (even if they have the video group's faces on the other screen), it can often leave you wondering if they are paying attention at all...

Rachel Cossar · Answer

@reuben_carter Very true- research shows that while people will be more lenient with poor video quality, poor audio quality will end a call.

Depending on which video platform you use, you can turn off or hide your own self-view. That is my number one biggest hack! Otherwise I spend the entire call checking myself out...

We are building a tool that will give you a nudge if you go out of frame or aren't paying attention so you don't have to worry about looking at yourself !

Dawn Veltri · Answer

@reuben_carter @rachelonpointe I also think seeing myself is distracting. I do so much better when I can hide myself.

The eye gaze issue also really bothers me. It bothers me when people are looking at another screen.

Jessie · Answer

@reuben_carter @dawn_veltri1 @rachelonpointe @reuben_carter indeed!! Agreeing on all your points! Also when the video freeze is another one :)

Rachel Cossar · Answer

@maxwellcdavis Thank you for sharing. Hopefully noise cancellation will get better and better. I know many video platforms are already on it, so are other companies like Krisp.

Visual distractions like erratic movements?

Rachel Cossar · Answer

@maxwellcdavis 100%.

Virtual backgrounds are the worst...I should have added that as one of the pet peeves!!!

Alina Ihnatiuk · Answer

Bad sound or background noise, picture quality, internet instability are the main irritants

Maxwell Davis · Answer

I put bad lighting but the biggest for me are distractions - noise and visual.

Rachel Cossar · Answer

@aurelianspodarec I hear you:) Thanks for sharing - do you prefer to do calls as phone/audio only? Or including video?

At Virtual Sapiens, we are working on the audio quality and vocal cues as well, the reason I started with visual is because people often forget they can be seen even if they are on camera - I am always curious to see which visual communication cues get to people.

Rachel Cossar · Answer

@ira_gi @jessie_m Totally Jessie!

I advise people, as much as possible, to have external sources of light (like ring lights) instead of depending on windows. Window/natural light can be so pleasant, but as the lighting changes (especially when it changes early in winter time), all of a sudden you are in darkness!

I know some video platforms are working on image quality and lighting. We are working on a pre-call check tool that will help users ensure their lighting is properly exposed and even before they enter a call:)

Deepa from PLG Works · Answer

I do prefer video calls when discussing or brainstorming so that I know when a person is taking a pause or I see their first reactions.

Assuming that you are on a video call, your audio and video should work well, bad lighting bothers me. If I can't see the other person's face, there is no meaning in doing a video call.

Maxwell Davis · Answer

@rachelonpointe - Virtual Backgrounds, people walking around, cars, etc.....

Reuben Carter · Answer

Bad audio kills the conversation for me! Also seeing my own face all the time makes me feel uncomfortable.

Ira GI · Answer

I often run into the problem of lighting.

Aurelian Spodarec · Answer

@rachelonpointe

Well, depends. I think having a video call is better for the first meeting with the prospect, later it doesn't matter as much.

Because of the body language, and such, I'd say video is better. However, said that, I might look bit awkward myself soo.

I need to work on myself generally speaking when it comes to communication/interaction.

Otherwise, for me it would be full on call with video no question asked ^^ I'll get to that point eventually.

Biggest pet peeve when sitting on video calls?

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