--- title: 5 Video Conference Mistakes and How to Avoid Them description: Video conferences can be reliable business tools if you know how to use them. 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And that's a good thing as they're [more effective](https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-much-time-do-we-spend-in-meetings-hint-its-scary) than traditional meetings. A virtual meeting can be a great way to check in on project progress facilitate feedback from your team or talk about exciting upcoming changes. However they can also take some getting used to. While everyone is bound to make a mistake from time to time there are a few faux pas you'll want to avoid. Keep reading to find out how you can dodge five of the biggest video conference mistakes and ensure your meeting goes smoothly. ## 1. Wasting Time Research suggests that up to [71% of meetings](https://hbr.org/2017/07/stop-the-meeting-madness) are pointless and unproductive with most employees complaining that the length of meetings is too long! To cut down on productivity-killing meetings come into every meeting with a clear strategy. Know what you want to get out of the meeting and detail how you plan to achieve it. Aim to keep each meeting under 30 minutes so everyone can get back to their day. ## 2. Forgetting to Test Your Mic Quality You know exactly what to say to inspire your team. Of course that won't do them any good if they can't hear you. Microphones can be finicky. Take five minutes or so before the meeting to test and improve audio quality. On that note mute any attendees who aren't currently speaking. This will cut down on cross-talk and ensure your message gets across crystal clear. ## 3. Picking the Wrong Camera Angle Not every angle looks flattering. Tilting the camera forward can make you look angry for instance while tilting it back can give you a double-chin. If you haven't done so already check out our [previous post](https://www.alura.com/blog/the-ultimate-video-conference-camera-tips.php) on finding the best camera angle and quality. While most laptops and tablets have built-in webcams tinkering with the settings can make a world of difference. ## 4. Choosing the Wrong Environment You've spent weeks preparing the data for your upcoming meeting. You're getting ready to deliver when your child comes running into the room demanding a snack. It's cute sure but it's also distracting. That's why it's so important to choose a quiet solitary environment where you can focus on the meeting and the meeting only. ## 5. Poor Wifi Strength Home WiFi is rarely as powerful as an in-office network. As such your signal can dip throughout the meeting. Whenever possible plug your device into an ethernet port. You'll get a faster speed and higher video and audio quality than you would on WiFi. If you're out in public grabbing a coffee double-check that you have the [proper bandwidth](https://www.alura.com/blog/what-is-internet-bandwidth-a-complete-guide.php) before logging onto the meeting platform. Public networks can get bogged down once multiple users log on. ## Watch Out for These Video Conference Mistakes These video conference mistakes while embarrassing are surprisingly easy to make. It all comes down to being prepared. Before logging on make sure your mic and camera are looking good you know what you want to say and you have a quiet place to meet with your team with reliable Internet. To learn how we can help your business make sure to [get in touch](https://www.alura.com/contact.php) today. We'll get back to you shortly about how Alura's services can boost productivity and ensure that every meeting is a great one. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![The Ultimate Video Conference Camera Tips](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1040.jpeg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-ultimate-video-conference-camera-tips) #### [The Ultimate Video Conference Camera Tips](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-ultimate-video-conference-camera-tips) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Jun 22, 2020, 12:00:00 AM Video conferencing usage has skyrocketed due to COVID-19. [Managed IT Services](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-ultimate-video-conference-camera-tips) [![A Step by Step Guide to the Perfect Video Conferencing Setup](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1041.jpg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-step-by-step-guide-to-the-perfect-video-conferencing-setup) #### [A Step by Step Guide to the Perfect Video Conferencing Setup](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-step-by-step-guide-to-the-perfect-video-conferencing-setup) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Jun 15, 2020, 12:00:00 AM In our post-COVID world it is important now more than ever to make a connection. This is even more important for businesses that used to function off... [Managed IT Services](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-step-by-step-guide-to-the-perfect-video-conferencing-setup) [![Calling in an Expert: The Top 5 Benefits of Hiring an IT Consultant](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1057.jpeg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/calling-in-an-expert-the-top-5-benefits-of-hiring-an-it-consultant) #### [Calling in an Expert: The Top 5 Benefits of Hiring an IT Consultant](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/calling-in-an-expert-the-top-5-benefits-of-hiring-an-it-consultant) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Feb 17, 2020, 12:00:00 AM It's no secret that running a business is complicated and stressful. After all competition in the marketplace is fierce and there are a million... 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