Video calls have their own set of unwritten norms that differ from both in-person meetings and phone calls, and small missteps, while rarely disastrous, tend to be noticed more than people realize.
Getting the basics right before the call starts
- Testing camera and microphone a few minutes before joining, not after the call has already started
- Choosing a background that’s reasonably tidy or using a simple blur if the space isn’t ideal
- Joining a minute or two early rather than right at the scheduled time
Why lighting deserves more attention than it gets
Poor lighting, particularly a light source directly behind the speaker, can make someone nearly impossible to see clearly, regardless of how good the camera itself is. Facing a light source, rather than having it behind, makes a noticeable difference without requiring any special equipment.
Camera presence during the call
Looking at the camera lens occasionally, rather than only at the screen, better simulates eye contact for the other participants, even though it feels slightly unnatural at first. Staying generally still and centered in frame, rather than shifting around constantly, also makes the call easier to follow for everyone else.
Muting as a basic courtesy
Background noise, typing, or side conversations carried over an unmuted microphone are a common and avoidable distraction. Muting by default when not actively speaking, especially in larger group calls, is one of the simplest ways to show consideration for everyone else on the call.
Managing overlapping conversation
Video calls handle simultaneous talking far worse than in-person conversation, often resulting in neither person being heard clearly. A brief pause before responding, rather than jumping in immediately, reduces the awkward overlap that video calls are particularly prone to.
Handling technical issues gracefully
- Acknowledging a connection problem briefly rather than ignoring it and hoping no one notices
- Having a backup plan, like a phone number, for calls where connectivity is a known risk
- Staying patient with others experiencing technical issues, since they’re rarely within anyone’s control
Ending the call cleanly
A clear closing, confirming next steps or simply saying goodbye, prevents the slightly awkward uncertainty of not knowing whether a call has actually ended. Lingering unmuted after a call was meant to conclude is a small but memorable mistake worth actively avoiding.
None of video call etiquette requires special skill, just a bit more deliberate attention than an in-person conversation typically demands, since so many of the usual social cues are missing or altered on screen.
Dressing appropriately even for a casual call
It’s tempting to dress casually for a call where only the top half is visible, but the habit of dressing for the occasion tends to affect mindset and posture, not just appearance, often resulting in a more engaged and alert presence during the call itself.
Being mindful of screen sharing
Before sharing a screen, closing unrelated tabs, notifications, or messages prevents an accidental, sometimes embarrassing glimpse into unrelated personal or work content that was never meant to be shown to the group.
