Cameras On or Off?

Let’s say it all together now: Virtual calls are here to stay. For good reasons too! They are convenient. Log on, have your meeting, and you’re done! All without the hassle of travelling or trying to get everyone together at the same time in one spot.

If you’ve been in multiple virtual calls, I’m willing to bet you’ve experienced this dilemma: Do I turn on the camera? Will everyone have their cameras on? Maybe I should just keep it off? Argh, what do I do?

We got you. Our answer? Well, it really depends on the kind of meeting you’re having. For starters, if it is a formal meeting you’re having with clients or higher ups, we say leave the camera on. Nobody wants to look at the screen filled with initials within circles. At the same time, keeping cameras on during these meetings puts a name to a face, which is really important if it is the first time you’re meeting the client, albeit online. Being able to see facial cues also improves communication and builds trust, essential if you’re dealing with clients. When we can see someone’s facial expression and body language, it helps us understand their thoughts and feelings better. Imagine not being able to see if your client is smiling or rolling his eyes when you’re presenting an idea!

So when would you keep the cameras off? If it is just a 1:1 casual catch-up with a colleague to align your tasks. These can be quickly done, almost like a phone call. Or maybe take cue from the rest in the virtual meetings – if everyone has their videos off, do the same. It will feel pretty awkward when everyone’s just an icon but your face is glaring back at you from the screen.

Here are more reasons why and when you should keep your camera on (or off!) during these calls:

#1 When you’re feeling stressed: Camera Off!
If you feel like you’re not up to it because of back-to-back deadlines and your anxiety as well as annoyance will show when online, then we say camera off! You don’t need that additional stress of trying to look OK when you’re having a bad day. In this instant, it’s perfectly fine to have a no-camera-day on Zoom – especially if it helps you feel more relaxed!

#2 If the background is busy: Camera Off!
And we mean by your cat trying to get your attention, your child making a lot of noise playing, or maybe just that you’re out driving trying to get from one place to another. In this situation, it’s OK to not have the camera on. Seeing all that happening in the background can be a distraction to others in the meeting.

#3 If you’re the one presenting: Camera On!
Especially if it’s a formal meeting with more than three people attending. If you’re doing the presentation, turning on your camera will work in your favour. You may not realise this but doing this shows accountability and can improve the message you’re trying to disseminate. When others can see your facial expressions and body language, it helps them understand your presentation better. Plus, it looks more professional when there’s a face to a voice that’s sharing super important fact finding!

#4 When it is the first time meeting: Camera On!
If it is a meeting to introduce you to others (whether a new team or a new client), it makes all sense to keep your camera on. With your camera on, it sends a signal that you value the other person's time and that you’re giving the meeting 100% of your focus (because we all know that when the camera’s off, we’re doing a whole bunch of other things!).

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash.