Web Conference with clients: Video or no video?

Personally, when I am on Skype, I prefer to keep it audio, rather than audio and video.

I would prefer audio only.

I go audio and video with internal team, clients with a partner onsite, but [mostly] audio only for totally remote client presentations (though still use screen sharing as needed, just not "live" video).

Now if it's a first time meeting, the initial introductions, kind of a "social business" call where you haven't had any in person meetings yet, video might be prudent, and I'd confirm in advance it's cool (and they're setup for it).

On that latter parenthetical point: __always__ confirm the other end is setup in advance of the meeting. Client app(s) installed, required accounts ready to go, a quick test run (to confirm app, potential network issues like blocked ports), required hardware, etc.

Nothing brings down a meeting more than technical issues.

mobilehaathi said:

I would prefer audio only.

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Yet another matter on which we are in agreement……I much prefer audio; video can be a distraction (and resource greedy) unless it can be proven to have an advantage in that context.

D.T. said:

I go audio and video with internal team, clients with a partner onsite, but [mostly] audio only for totally remote client presentations (though still use screen sharing as needed, just not "live" video).

Now if it's a first time meeting, the initial introductions, kind of a "social business" call where you haven't had any in person meetings yet, video might be prudent, and I'd confirm in advance it's cool (and they're setup for it).

On that latter parenthetical point: __always__ confirm the other end is setup in advance of the meeting. Client app(s) installed, required accounts ready to go, a quick test run (to confirm app, potential network issues like blocked ports), required hardware, etc.

Nothing brings down a meeting more than technical issues.

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Absolutely agree with you. Been there, done that…..

Actually, I have been at meetings where the audio went, but the video was still running - most frustrating, and where we ended up having to do the audio by telephone.

The other thing re video conferences for larger groups is that the camera angle does not inlace all equally, (and sometimes does not include some people at all). Sort the technical stuff out in advance - otherwise, it can eat up a huge proportion of the time allotted for the meeting.

As it happens, I have been at meetings where the Lords & Masters at the other end failed to appreciate that many of us had further scheduled meetings with local interlocutors after the international conference had ended and the technical glitches meant that everything ran the risk of turning into an utter shambles.

HarryPot said:

Audio only it should be then!

As for using Skype, do you think it sounds as a little unprofessional? Instead of using WebEx or other similar software that have a more professional presentation.

I've personally used WebEx sometimes and find Skype to be more reliable.

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Whatever works best in your circumstances, or best meets your needs.

I have used Skype in Third World countries, and have found that it works perfectly well almost everywhere.

HarryPot said:

Audio only it should be then!

As for using Skype, do you think it sounds as a little unprofessional? Instead of using WebEx or other similar software that have a more professional presentation.

I've personally used WebEx sometimes and find Skype to be more reliable.

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Heck, most of the WebEx account are using the free/cheap version which is bandwidth limited, so Skype tends to work better for me.

I've used:

WebEx
GTM
Skype
Google Hangouts

Though Skype has become my go to for internal collaboration. I think the main thing is - if it's a new client, or especially if it's a _potential_ client - go with what they know and have installed. Having to download a new app, install, setup account(s), can be a real PITA (and if it's in a controlled Enterprise environment, the end user might not even be able to install without submitted a ticket to IT).

One side note:

If you're sharing an app/your desktop, make sure to _disable_ any kind of notifications (OSX, Alt-Click the notification burger). First it's disruptive, and secondly, if you use the machine for any personal communication, it could be seriously embarrassing (and even professionally damaging).

yes

I personally chose yes because it seems like using video chatting is more common these days than it has been before. Interviews are also done through Skype. If you do video meetings /interviews then you are able to talk to people that live in a country that have different time zones. Also, when you are on vacation, you are also able to have emergency meetings. Though when you are on vacation, you should try to stay away from your work phone/email.