Tech Tips for A Great Online Therapy Experience

Proper video call etiquette is essential for effective communication and maintaining professional relationships. Here are some key tips to follow during video calls:

1. Test Your Technology in Advance: Ensure your sound, video, microphone, and screen sharing work properly before the call. Familiarise yourself with the software to avoid technical issues during the meeting.

2. Respect People’s Time: Only invite necessary participants to the call. Aim for shorter durations (around 30 minutes) and allow additional discussion time for those interested.

3. Limit Attendees: Keep video calls to smaller groups (maximum 10 attendees) to stay focused and on-topic.

4. Create an Agenda: Prepare an agenda ahead of time and stick to it. This helps manage time and ensures everyone is prepared for the discussion.

5. Pay Attention: Avoid distractions—others can see you typing or checking your phone. Be present and engaged during the call.

6. Dress Appropriately: Even though it’s a virtual meeting, dress professionally to make a good impression.

Good video call etiquette contributes to productive and respectful interactions!

Video calls can indeed feel a bit awkward at times, but there are several strategies you can use to make them more comfortable and effective. Here are some tips:

1. Choose Video Wisely:

   • Use video when it adds value, such as for 1:1 meetings with your manager, critical feedback discussions, or important topics.

   • If it would take many chat messages to resolve an issue, opt for video instead.

2. Equip Yourself:

   • Ensure you have a working webcam and microphone. Most laptops and mobile devices already have these built-in.

   • Use trusted video conferencing platforms.

3. Look Professional:

   • Dress appropriately, even for remote meetings. It helps maintain a professional atmosphere.

   • Set up a clutter-free workspace with good lighting.

4. Inclusivity Matters:

   • Make sure everyone feels included. Encourage participation from all team members.

   • Use visual cues (like nodding) to show active listening.

5. Easy Access:

   • Keep video access handy. Familiarise yourself with the platform’s features.

   • Set up team rules to manage video meetings effectively.

Practice makes perfect! The more video calls you have, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Video call anxiety is a common experience, especially in our increasingly digital world. Here are some strategies to help you manage it:

1. Identify the Source: Understand what triggers your anxiety during video calls. Is it tech issues, public speaking anxiety, or something else? Knowing the root cause can guide your coping strategies.

2. Practice Speaking Clearly: If you struggle to make yourself heard, practice speaking loudly and confidently. Rehearse phrases like, “I have something to add” to assert yourself during meetings.

3. Challenge Negativity Bias: Our brains tend to focus on what goes wrong. Remind yourself of successful video calls and positive experiences to counteract this bias.

4. Avoid Back-to-Back Calls: Give yourself breaks between video meetings to recharge and reduce stress.

5. Turn Off Video When Needed: If seeing others’ faces adds to your anxiety, consider minimising their screens or going audio-only. You can treat the meeting like a phone call.

You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people share similar experiences, and with practice, you can become more comfortable with video calls!

Video calls can trigger anxiety from two angles: self-judgment and the social judgment of others. For those who already struggle with anxiety over social situations, participating in a video call can be even more intimidating.

Additionally, virtual meetings can be more stressful due to factors like increased eye contact and processing more nonverbal cues compared to in-person interactions. If you find video calls exhausting or anxiety-inducing, you’re not alone!

Feeling camera-shy during video calls is common, but there are strategies to help you feel more comfortable. Here are some tips:

1. Acknowledge Normalcy: Understand that feeling nervous or self-conscious on camera is normal. Everyone experiences it to some extent.

2. Practice: Familiarize yourself with the video platform. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

3. Set Up Your Space: Arrange your environment to look how you want it on screen. Good lighting and solid-coloured clothing can enhance your appearance.

4. Tech Know-How: Learn the basics of the video platform. Know how to log in, share your screen, and handle common issues like audio or connection problems.

5. Speak Slowly: Pace yourself when talking. Speaking too quickly can make you appear nervous. Remind yourself to slow down when anxious.

6. Smile and Be Expressive: A genuine smile and expressive gestures can make you feel more approachable and confident.

Practice and patience go a long way. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable with video calls!

Feeling camera-conscious is entirely normal, especially in our video-obsessed world. Here are some strategies to help you overcome that fear:

1. Don’t Let Fear Stop You: Accept that it’s okay to feel nervous or self-conscious. Most people give grace for minor mishaps, and being human can actually bring you closer to others.

2. Set Up Your Space: Arrange your camera setup to look how you want it on screen. Good lighting and solid-coloured clothing can make a difference.

3. Know the Tech: Familiarise yourself with video conferencing tools. Be prepared for common issues like audio/video checks, connection problems, and screen sharing.

You’re not alone, and practice makes perfect!

It’s completely normal to feel camera-shy, but there are effective strategies to overcome that fear. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable in front of the lens:

1. Pretend You’re Talking to a Friend: Imagine you’re having a conversation with someone you trust. This can make speaking on camera feel less intimidating.

2. Avoid a Rigid Script: Instead of memorising every word, focus on key points. Be natural and let your personality shine through.

3. Start Privately: Record a few practice videos without sharing them publicly. This helps build confidence and allows you to improve gradually.

4. Reframe Your Mindset: Rather than fearing mistakes, view them as opportunities for growth. Everyone has slip-ups, and they won’t define your overall performance.

5. Keep Initial Videos Short: Start with brief recordings to ease into the process. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the length.

6. Learn and Practice: Take courses or use tools to enhance your speaking skills. Practice regularly to refine your delivery.

7. Record Away From Others: Find a quiet space where you can focus without distractions. Feeling self-conscious in front of others can exacerbate camera anxiety.

8. Persist and Improve: Consistent practice is key. The more you speak on camera, the more confident you’ll become.