With many of us still working from home and avoiding face-to-face meetings, our reliance on virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom has skyrocketed. They have become a highly effective tool in keeping business, well, in business.

Of course, problems can arise in any type of meeting, but as a relatively new technology, mistakes happen. And they seem to be amplified when you’re sitting at home with everyone focused on the presenter – and making judgements.

Patrick Bailey has put together a list of do’s and don’ts for successful Zoom meetings for Digital Doughnut. Here are his top tips to avoid mishaps.

1 Don’t have too many people in the meeting

Only invite people that really need to be there. This can improve overall engagement and efficiency and result in a more productive call.

2 Make sure you have a prepared presentation

Just as you would have if you were in a client’s office or with your colleagues, have a presentation ready to share. And make sure that everyone knows their part of the presentation so there are no awkward silences or embarrassing small talk.

3 Engage all the participants

With a limited number of attendees, you can make sure that everyone is engaged. Address people by their names, ask questions, encourage others to ask questions and provide feedback.

4 To Zoom or not to Zoom

While the software is a great tool to replace face-to-face meetings, it shouldn’t replace all other forms of communication. Sometimes a telephone call or email is just as effective.

Team Lemonade has some more practical tips:

5 Check your lighting

The light from your laptop is not bright, or flattering, enough to illuminate your face. So, find a seat closer to natural light such as a window off to the side. Make sure sunlight is not behind you as your webcam won’t be able to cope.

6 Set the stage

Consider your background and remove any clutter as this is distracting. Plants, artwork and bookshelves make a great backdrop. Don’t sit in front of an open door as someone is going to walk past and interrupt the meeting.

7 Dress appropriately

Dressing for work as you would normally can improve your productivity. But you also need to be comfortable when working from home. Get the balance right to look professional but relaxed – and that you are happy with the way that you look on screen.

8 Customise your Zoom preferences

Get to know what Zoom offers regarding virtual backgrounds and make sure that you know how to hide your video or mute your audio.  You can set yourself to mute by default if you’d prefer. Just press and hold the spacebar to unmute yourself when you need to speak.

9 Take it seriously

Just as you would with a face-to-face meeting be on time. Make sure that you know where the link to the meeting is so that there is no delay. And have an agenda so you don’t fill the time with chit-chat. You can schedule a separate Zoom call if you want an informal office catchup.

10 Zoom etiquette

Finally, with differing internet connections, there might be a lag. So, wait your turn to speak so you don’t talk over them. For larger meetings maybe have a host who can keep things under control.