Workplace communication
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Confirm you are audible before talking by asking if people can hear you or looking at visual cues, since forgetting to unmute happens often.
A single technical hiccup could release your raw thoughts without a filter.
5 people, independently
Set your computer's volume to a very low level before muting it.
If you accidentally unmute, the sound will remain quiet and not disturb anyone; it also avoids fumbling to lower the volume.
- Changing the volume may instantly unmute the audio on some computers.
2 people, independently
Cover your webcam with a physical object or unplug your headset when not in use to protect privacy.
People are nosy and you may value your privacy.
one person who lived it
Use only one earbud during calls if possible.
Using both ears covered can cause you to shout without realizing how loud you are, disturbing people nearby.
one person who lived it
Use the chat function for questions in video meetings.
It allows shy or occupied participants to contribute without speaking.
- Assign someone to watch the chat.
one person who lived it
Ensure you have fully left or closed previous conference calls before joining new ones.
Prevents overlapping audio feeds and being stuck dialed into silent bridges.
one person who lived it
Avoid using speakers near microphones to prevent reverb and echo.
Speakers near mics cause reverb and echo when people speak.
one person who lived it
Wait for a clear pause before speaking and avoid talking over other participants.
- If collisions happen, use 'go ahead' to let the other person finish.
4 people, independently
Feed pets before joining calls to prevent noise from hungry animals.
Hungry pets make loud noises that are audible through microphones.
one person who lived it
5 more on this
Leave conference calls immediately when they end rather than prolonging goodbyes.
It allows everyone to return to productive work sooner.
- Some suggest thanking the host by name as a positive gesture for their prep work.
one person who lived it
Turn down your phone's volume after watching videos.
Ads or resuming content may blast at high volume unexpectedly.
one person who lived it
Check the physical LED indicator on your headset to verify mute status.
It is handy for verification
- Only applicable if the headset has an LED
one person who lived it
Avoid putting a conference call on hold if doing so plays hold music for other participants.
Constant disruptions are annoying
one person who lived it
Check your volume levels after plugging in or unplugging headphones.
Headphone and speaker volumes are managed separately.
one person who lived it