The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

310 / COMMUNICATING EXTERNALLY

Ensure the office from

which you are calling is neat

and that there’s nothing

distracting in the background.

Try moving your computer’s

video camera closer to you

so that your head and upper

shoulders occupy the whole

screen—any smaller and it

becomes difficult to see and

read your facial expressions.

Appearing well

On the day, dress conservatively: avoid

busy patterns, thin stripes, and small

prints that draw attention. Act always as

if people are watching you, and refrain

from quirky mannerisms—these may go

unnoticed in a meeting but are magnified

in a teleconference. Sit up straight, pay

attention, and project a professional

image. Make sure you know where the

camera lens is before you start the call

—it is not always above the screen. Make

sure to look directly at the camera lens

when you are speaking. You’ll enhance

your credibility dramatically if you focus

squarely on the camera; others will think

you’re speaking directly to them.

Succeeding with Skype

Larger companies often have dedicated

video-conferencing systems housed in

rooms that are optimized for the purpose

—and a technician to maintain the facility.

However, if you work for a smaller

firm or from home, you will probably

use a computer-based conferencing

system such as Skype and so must take

responsibility for all aspects of a call.

The more you use Skype, the easier and

more natural it becomes, but be aware of

a few simple tips that’ll make your calls

more professional and productive.

Add another light behind you to

illuminate the room and provide

a sense of place.

Pay particular attention to

the lighting in the room,

making make sure that your

face is well lit; try placing a

large sheet of white paper

flat on the desk in front of

you to reduce any harsh

shadows on your face.

US_310-311_Running_a_teleconference.indd 310 30/05/16 3:05 pm