Whether you’re a black-belt remote-work ninja or someone who started working from home during the pandemic, your physical meetings have probably been replaced by video or conference calls. If you didn’t know that already, well — now you do.
When you schedule a meeting, you usually have two options: video meeting or conference call.
For me, the choice used to be simple — conference call, every time. I avoided video at all costs. On the rare occasions I joined, I left the meeting exhausted. Honestly, if I had a coin for every time someone said “Bullen, we can’t see you!” I’d own Amazon by now.
It wasn’t really surprising. They say the camera adds ten kilos — why would I volunteer for that? So yes, I was happiest in a good old-fashioned phone meeting.
But how do you handle a video meeting without feeling awkward?
There are plenty of things to consider — and as your self-appointed video-meeting expert, I’ll give you the tools you need to embrace the camera and feel comfortable meeting your boss, colleagues, or customers face-to-face online.
It’s time for better video meetings.
I love video meetings
Video meetings mean productive, efficient collaboration.
If people avoid using video, meetings quickly lose energy and focus — and that’s a problem.
These days, I’m the first one to turn on the camera.
I’ve gone from camera-shy to camera-confident. They even call me “the lens lover.”
I once had a video meeting with my wife — while sitting at the same dinner table. (We’re still married.)
So let me just say it:
My name is Bullen, and I love video meetings!
Your biggest video-meeting questions, answered
When should I use video?
Sure, it helps if you’re having a good hair day — but that’s not the only factor.
Video adds depth to conversations because you can read body language and expressions. It helps you see if people are paying attention and makes the meeting feel almost like an in-person one.
Use video when you want to:
- Have one-to-one meetings with managers or colleagues
- Give feedback — positive or negative
- Stop a long email or chat thread from spiraling
- Discuss complex or important topics
- Welcome a new team member
- Hold weekly or recurring meetings
What equipment do I need?
At minimum: a webcam and a microphone.
Most laptops already have them built in, but if you want to upgrade the experience, invest in a good headset and an external webcam.
As a last resort, you can use your phone’s camera and mic — not ideal, but it works.
Choose a reliable platform
There are plenty out there — Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack — but lynes gives you an all-in-one solution: telephony, video meetings, conference calls, and screen sharing in one place.
That means everything your team needs for smooth internal communication is right there — no app-hopping required.
Don’t forget your connection
A stable internet connection is essential.
If your Wi-Fi is shaky, plug in an Ethernet cable (or use a USB adapter if needed).
It’s every participant’s responsibility to ensure their connection is solid — otherwise, you risk lagging video and broken audio. Not cool.
Does it matter what I wear?
If you’re working from home, you’re probably not always dressed for the office (we all know those sweatpants). But for video meetings, it helps to keep some of your old routines.
Dress the way you want to be perceived.
Set aside five minutes before your meeting to tidy up and get camera-ready.
Do I need to care about my background?
Yes — your environment says a lot about you.
If you’re working from the kitchen, clear away dishes first. If you’re in your home office, remove any clutter or laundry in the background.
Also, make sure your space doesn’t distract you — or others. If your eyes wander, people will notice and think you’re not engaged.
A few quick tips:
- Avoid sitting with strong backlight
- Stay centered in the frame
- Keep the background simple and neutral
- Mute background noise like TV or radio
How do I handle large video meetings?
Big video calls can turn into total chaos — everyone talking over each other, followed by a chorus of “Sorry, you go first.”
If you’re hosting, call on people by name when you ask questions. It keeps discussions focused and avoids awkward silences.
And please — mute yourself when you’re not speaking.
No one wants to hear your coffee slurps or kids yelling in the background.
If you step away for a moment, turn off your camera and mic, and let others know you’ll be right back.
It’s really that simple
Yes, remote work has its challenges — loneliness being a big one.
But after a year (or more) of practice, it’s time to embrace it.
Video meetings aren’t complicated — they’re what you make them.
So be prepared, be confident, and show up like a pro.
As the Scouts say: “Be prepared.”
That’s exactly the mindset you need for every meeting.
My six commandments for better video meetings
- Use video to build stronger relationships
- Make sure your equipment works
- Look professional
- Make everyone feel included
- Join on time
- Set team guidelines for how to behave in meetings
Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll become a true camera lover too.
Because it’s not that hard — and it makes all the difference.
Now repeat after me:
“My name is (your name), and I love video meetings!”
