We often hear this now—“our new normal.” I believe that no matter how and when this pandemic will end, a new way of life for all of us has begun!
New Ways of Doing Things
As you are aware, we are no longer eating in an indoor restaurant. If we have to or if we choose to eat out, we eat in an outdoor setting.
It is also more usual to have food delivered now, while before only Pizza places mostly did food delivery. Today, food delivery is done by almost all restaurants. You can even have a cup of coffee delivered to you now.
Change in Doing Business/Work
One of the most popular changes now is how we do our business meetings, transactions, work, training, and seminars.
We mainly conduct our businesses virtually. New platforms have emerged due to this new normal. Platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Facebook Room, have become very popular as they are used to do virtual meetings and conferences.
Virtual Conferences
With these new platforms, we can continue doing our businesses in the comfort of our own homes. Having them makes it convenient for us to reach out to our clients, business partners, colleagues worldwide, and even the world. We no longer have to travel physically, which, I believe, decreases the cost of doing business.
Friends and Family
Virtual calling is not just for businesses. It is also for personal use. Now, we can call Grandma and Grandpa, who lives in another State. We can connect with friends that we have not seen for a while, and we can do “virtual parties” with anyone.
Etiquette
However, we need to remember some basic rules while using these platforms, before using them, and after using them.
Here are some of the rules that we should follow for a professional or formal conferences:
1. Once you have agreed on getting on a virtual meeting, make sure you get the details on how to log on. Usually, there is a User ID or Number and passcode to “enter” the room or chat.
2. Be on time.
Be respectful of other people’s time. Get on to the virtual meeting at least 5-10 minutes before the agreed schedule. Do not let people wait for you. Letting them wait is rude.
3. As soon as you come into the “room,” MUTE your microphone so that background noises/sounds will not interrupt the meeting.
4. Turn on your video so that everyone sees your face. Showing or having only your profile picture while participating in the meeting is very discourteous. Besides, how do other participants know you are watching and listening?
5. If you are not the speaker or not your turn to speak, MUTE your microphone. It is just not right to hear background conversation while someone is speaking.
6. When you are invited by text or Direct Messaging or Private Messaging or Email to a virtual meeting, RSVP (whether you can or cannot attend the session), is the polite thing to do. Most of the time, these conferences would like to have a headcount for whatever purpose it serves them.
7. Listen attentively. Do not do other things while in a virtual meeting except to take notes—cooking dinner or hammering something while at a conference is unacceptable.
8. If you have to take a bathroom break, you may turn off your video momentarily. Turn your video back on as soon as you are done.
9. Make sure you are in a well-lit area, sitting on an upright chair with a clean, simple background.
10. Make sure you are appropriately dressed or decently for a meeting. You do not have to wear office attire, but at least something presentable. (No stretched out t-shirt, no tube top for the women-you look like you are naked from the video, no pajamas or lingerie).
11. Do not attend a virtual meeting while lying on your bed, slumped on a sofa or recliner, inside the bathroom, or while doing your workout. That is so unprofessional.
12. Do not drive and do virtual meetings (unless you are only a passive participant). Needless to say, that is very dangerous.
13. Be responsive to the speaker. If you are asked a question, UNMUTE yourself and answer. If the speaker only wants an affirmation, give a thumbs-up or down. Smile if you have to, laugh if there is something to laugh about, shake or nod your head to show that you are listening. It is difficult to speak if you do not see any reaction from your audience.
14. If you need to make a comment, suggestion, or opinion while the speaker is in the middle of his/her talk, type your message on the chat box.
15. Do not make a separate “chat” or conversation with other group members while the talk or meeting is ongoing.
16. If possible, do not “LEAVE” the virtual meeting early or before it is over unless you have already warned the speaker.
17. Do not use cuss words, slang, or other unpopular words in a virtual meeting. You are still in a professional setting.
18. Do not eat a whole meal while in a virtual meeting. If you need to eat a snack, get something inconspicuous or turn off the video momentarily and return as soon as you are done.
19. Do not yawn, stretch, or sleep while in a meeting.
20. Again, let the speaker or the administrator know by sending a message privately if you have to leave before the meeting ends.
21. Say “goodbye” and “thank you” before exiting the room and leave as soon as the meeting is over. The administrator or the speaker might need to do another session with other people.
Final Note
A new set of rules that will become the new norm will keep on emerging as days go by, and as our situation calls for it. These rules will transform how we do things daily. We need to be aware and keep up because these will help us communicate better.
Respect with one another is the key to better understanding. This virtue is the reason why we need to follow this new normal.
Make sure you remember these rules or etiquette the next time you are on a virtual call. These rules are there to get our messages across clearly, swiftly, and flawlessly.
