Video on...or off in virtual meetings?

@brandonhull Right - that's part of what needs to be more thought out - does this even need to be a video call? Does everyone need to be on this call? Can it be asynchronous? Video calls are super effective for smaller groups and meetings that need to be more dynamic and engaging. Larger video meetings can be done, but must be super engaging! A lot falls on the facilitator.

@seansong Yes, this is true and be helpful with bandwidth issues. If this is really the case, one can do a phone call too:) There are also ways to screenshare with audio-only (like on Slack huddles for example). So no one needs to worry about video in this case and you can get a better connection. The more intentionally we connect, the better off everyone is. And we have so many options, communication and meeting strategy is a big topic for companies both large and small.

@maxwellcdavis One of the most awkward things is joining a video meeting (as in, the organizer sent a video meeting link, not a phone number) and then they are not on vide. Super weird move. In group calls where people are listening in, make that clear right from the get go. It's unsettling to have lurkers on the video call if they haven't shared why they aren't on video.

@rachelonpointe Yeah just makes no sense!

@paul_vanzandt Makes total sense - it's helpful to see who you are talking to and to use every tool at your disposal during early conversations with new employees, team members and clients. It's such a convenient way to make that human connection right from the get go, and to help differentiate from another conversation, especially in our virtual world.

@rachelonpointe I completely agree. Especially as you are establishing connections within your workplace it's important to see each other and really interact.

@anna_mandziuk I love Slack huddle - just mentioned in another comment above. And sounds like you are ahead of the norm with selecting different channels for different types of conversations. Not all meetings have to be video. But if video will enhance the conversation and relationship - let's get those videos on, and give people the skills they need to do so comfortably and confidently. (That's what we do at Virtual Sapiens, www.virtualsapiens.co) Thanks for your reply!

@gurpinder_singh Thank you for sharing - love your enthusiasm for human interaction!

@daniel_engels :) Love to hear this. Although it may not be the most popular opinion these days, I agree that having your video on in a video meeting is super helpful. You get a much richer conversation and have a better idea of where people are really at in terms of what they think and feel about something. And even better than just being on video, showing up and really being present:) All this said, not every meeting needs to be on video - but that's an entirely different topic:)

@rachelonpointe I'm also a fan of asynchronous meetings for all the occasions when presence is unnecessary.

@daniel_engels 100%

@qudsia_ali wow...I've never heard of this tech - what is it called?

@qudsia_ali So does it let you know when it will take a picture? Or it just randomly takes a shot?

@szaciu Always helpful to know why the video is turned off in a video meeting. Either the organizer makes it really clear video is optional, or the person not on video should specify if it's bandwidth related or other. Otherwise people will be wondering the entire call.