f you had never heard of Zoom before COVID-19, you certainly have now. It’s basically the Xerox of video conferencing.

As I mentioned in my post about effective productivity hacks, I’ve been working from home for nine years now. Between my remote work life and working with international clients over the years, I’ve been a Zoom user almost the entire time.

Well, now everyone is a Zoom user. Random accounting guy. Grandma Rosie. Uncle Ted. Your kids. And everyone in between.

It’s been an adjustment for all of us – Zoom pros and novices alike. So I thought it would be helpful to put together a quick list of etiquette tips because…well…we’ve all experienced some funny and disruptive things during our meetings these past couple of weeks. And none of us want to be “that guy/girl.”Zoom (or other video conferencing) Etiquette Tips We All Should Live By:1. Wear pants. And shirts.
In fact, go ahead and adopt a “never nude” policy. Last week, I was on a group call with over 20 people when a man suddenly appeared with his shirt off. I was distracted and I don’t mean in a good way. Keep your shirt on, bro (this goes without saying for gals), and wear pants in case you have to get up for any reason (although this can be solved by tip #4).

Note: you might want to let your significant other, roommate, and kids know that you’re on a Zoom in case they are not complying with my suggested Never Nude Zoom Policy.

2. Light your face.
Part of the benefit of video conferencing is being able to see familiar faces and read nonverbal cues when necessary. If possible, take video calls from a well-lit room or position yourself facing a light source like a window. Don’t sit with a light source behind you, because you essentially just become a silhouette. Assuming no one is in the witness protection program, be proud and show people your mug.

Note: Better lighting actually makes you look better!

3. Mute yourself.
Some Zoom moderators might do this for you, but it’s a good policy to simply mute yourself as soon as you log on. Really, you never really need to have your mic on unless you’re speaking. And for goodness sake, be sure to mute if you’re moving around, eating, typing, or answering a call on your phone. No one wants to hear the wind tunnel you’re driving through, Brenda.

Note: It might be time to invest in a good pair of Bluetooth noise canceling headphones so your meetings are private and less interesting to your kids and pets (and maybe bored spouses).

4. Turn off your video when applicable.
If you need to get up and leave for any reason that could be distracting to a group (bio break, snack, whatever), simply turn off your video. By now, we’ve heard the embarrassing stories of people going to the bathroom while on a Zoom. I. Can’t. Even.

Note: It’s always nice to have a pleasant, smiling photo of yourself in your profile that shows up when your video is off.

5. Use virtual backgrounds.
If you don’t feel like showing your co-workers/clients your lack of decoration skills or messy piles, simply use a virtual background. Go to settings, Virtual Backgrounds, and choose one. Being in outer space might be better than forcing people to stare at your weird artwork.

Note: You can upload your own photo or create a virtual background with new Canva templates made for Zoom.

6. Be polite.
With meeting attendee numbers of more than 6-8, I recommend using the “raise a hand” feature or chat box to let it be known you have something to say or a question, assuming chat is being monitored. Otherwise, unmute, wait for a pause, and bring up your thought. Similar to conference calls, there will be times when you and someone else speak at the same time. Just be patient and realize this is part of the new norm. It’s not like people didn’t interrupt each other in real-life meetings anyway…amiright?

Note: If the moderator/leader of the meeting doesn’t make it clear what the protocol is, ask before the meeting starts or suggest one for the group to follow.I would love to hear what other etiquette tips you’d recommend based on funny things have happened during your Zoom calls these past few weeks. Let me know!