Based on my own inexperience and observations!

Practical stuff

Mute microphone when not speaking to minimize background noise and feedback.

Use headphones and microphone to avoid feedback and get the best audio both ways.

Use the ‘screen share’ option to show the agenda, presentations, and documents being discussed.

No karaoke (where you read the screen or presentation slide slower than everybody has already read it).

Use the Chat messages to record points discussed, action items for who, etc. This can then be downloaded as an aide memoir and for people who could not make the call.

Chat, especially in large groups, is far more time-efficient and clear for asking questions than people unmuting, introducing their point, etc. The meeting chair can review the chat messages and prioritise them for the speaker.

Turn on the video as it provides a quick way to communicate (nodding your head etc.) and giving feedback to a speaker that you are following what they are saying. Turn off video if watching yourself is distracting (or you are eating!), but turn it on when you are speaking.

Check videos and ‘hands up’ options for signals that others wish or are ready to speak. Control one’s impulse to speak again if you have recently. When many people are present somebody needs to control who speaks when.

Etiquette

If you have the video on, check how you look, unless you want to show your inner nostrils or double chin to the audience.

Do not eat without muting the microphone (especially crunchy apples and crackers). No, we do not need to see the half-chewed sandwich inside your mouth.

Turn on video when talking as it is more natural (if bandwidth is sufficient).

Tip using video calls

…… from Zoom

…… from Skype for Business

Please add more tips below, humour is welcome, for example: A Conference Call in Real Life

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