Internet service providers, IT staff, and service desks are working around-the-clock to meet the extraordinary demand created by the new teleworking environment. While they are working to ensure that conferencing and collaboration tools are available to everyone teleworking, users may still experience service interruptions, network connectivity issues, or other technical difficulties.

Before you swear off using your webcam and conferencing tools from frustration, and before you reach out for IT help, there a few easy tips and tricks you can do at home to have a better online meeting experience and stay connected to your colleagues.

Troubleshooting Issues with Video or Audio Quality

If you are on a video conference or online meeting, and suddenly experience lower video or audio quality, it may be due to your network connection. When you first recognize the issue, follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect from your virtual private network (VPN). Many organizations, including the state of Minnesota, require VPN connection to access sensitive information, but this may cause interruptions with your network connection.
2. Exit out of applications that might distract you or slow down your computer. Set your status on collaboration of chat applications to “do not disturb”.
3. Disconnect from the meeting and re-join.
4. Check your computer audio settings or try a different headset. If the tool you are using offers a dial-in number call into the meeting from your phone instead.
5. Turn off the video option in the meeting.

Proactive Tips for a Better Meeting Experience

1. At the beginning of the day, restart your computer and network router to ensure the best network connections.
2. Set up your meetings at off times, for example, schedule your meeting on the 15th or 45th minute, instead of on the hour or half-hour.
3. Check whether you need to install any software updates on your computer, which may include patches to these online meeting tools.

Service Issues and Outages

Sometimes a poor online conference experience is due to vendor issues and outages. Some of the companies offering conferencing services, such as Webex and Intercall, allow you to check whether the tool you are using is experiencing a service outage or issue. Research the tool you are using to find out whether this information is available.

Parting Advice

Many online meetings include a video option. Make sure that you set up the best video conferencing environment so that colleagues can read the visual cues that normally come with in-person meetings.

• Be in a space with enough lighting.
• When setting up your lighting, make sure there is more light in front of you than behind you.

Lastly, remember that live video is not always perfect. Give yourself a break if you have an unexpected interruption, such as a loved one walking into the video screen, or if you need to exit out of the meeting and rejoin due to a poor network connection.