In today's business world, almost everything is done remotely. We conduct meetings via conference calls, we collaborate with co-workers in different time zones through video chat, and we even interview candidates for open positions without ever meeting them in person. While this may save on travel expenses and time, it also presents some unique challenges—namely, ensuring that everyone involved has the proper equipment to participate in the call effectively.
First and foremost, if you're going to be participating in a lot of conference calls, you need to have great lighting. This may seem like a small detail, but it's actually really important. If your face is hidden in shadow, it's going to be difficult for people on the other end of the line to hear what you're saying—not to mention see any facial cues that can be helpful in conveying meaning. Lighting is especially important if you're going to be relying heavily on video chat for collaboration, as no one wants to stare at a dark screen for hours on end.
Speaking of video chat, you're also going to need a modern web camera that's 4K capable. This will ensure that everyone involved in the call can see you clearly, even if they're viewing your image on a large screen. In addition, a 4K web camera will also allow you to take advantage of features like background blur, which can be helpful if you're participating in calls from less-than-ideal locations (like your home office).
Finally, you're going to need a proper speakerphone for conference calls. This is essential for two reasons: first, it ensures that everyone on the call can hear you clearly; and second, it frees up your hands so that you can type or take notes while still participating in the conversation. There are a lot of great speakerphone options on the market these days, so do some research and find one that best suits your needs.
Participating in conference calls is now an integral part of doing business—but it's not as simple as just picking up the phone and dialing into a meeting. If you want to be an effective participant and avoid annoying those on the other end of the line, you need to have great lighting, a modern web camera that's 4K capable, and a proper speakerphone.
With these three things in place, you'll be ready for anything a conference call can throw your way.