Conquering the Awkward Silence: The Power of Pre-Call Backgrounds in Teams

08 Jun 2024
us
Murphy

We've all been there: that excruciating pre-meeting silence on a Teams call, punctuated only by the faint whirring of laptop fans. You're staring at a grid of blank expressions, wondering if anyone else is about to speak. It's a digital wasteland of awkwardness. But what if I told you there's a simple solution, a way to inject personality and professionalism into those awkward pre-call moments? Enter: the art of setting your Teams video background before the call even begins.

Think of it as setting the stage before the play. Just like a well-chosen backdrop can elevate a theatrical performance, a thoughtfully selected Teams background can transform those initial moments of a video call. Instead of a blank wall or a glimpse into your messy living room, you can greet your colleagues with a professional office space, a calming nature scene, or even a touch of humor.

But this isn't just about aesthetics. Setting your background beforehand is a power move, a subtle signal that you're prepared, organized, and ready to engage. It shows your colleagues that you take the meeting seriously, and it helps to establish a more professional tone from the outset.

The beauty of this feature is its simplicity. Microsoft Teams makes it incredibly easy to customize your video background with just a few clicks. Whether you prefer a pre-loaded image from their library or want to upload your own branded backdrop, the process is intuitive and straightforward.

Beyond the professional advantages, a well-chosen background can also be a fantastic icebreaker. Imagine replacing that blank wall with a picture of your dog wearing a tie – it's a surefire way to spark conversation and inject a little levity into the pre-meeting atmosphere. It's a chance to share a bit of your personality and build connections with your colleagues, even in a virtual setting.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Setting Teams Background

Advantages	Disadvantages
Enhances professionalism	Can be distracting if not chosen carefully
Provides privacy	May not work seamlessly with all internet connections
Adds a touch of personality	Limited customization options in some versions

While setting a Teams video background before a call offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential downsides to ensure a seamless and professional online meeting experience. One potential drawback is the possibility of distractions if the chosen background is too busy or cluttered.

Best Practices for a Flawless Background

Here are a few best practices to keep your virtual background game strong:

Keep it Simple: Choose backgrounds that are relatively simple and clutter-free. Avoid overly busy patterns or distracting elements that might draw attention away from you.
Good Lighting is Key: Ensure your lighting is adequate and consistent to avoid looking washed out or shadowy against your chosen backdrop.
Test It Out: Before joining a call, especially an important one, do a test run with your chosen background to make sure it looks good and doesn’t clash with your outfit or surroundings.
Consider the Context: When selecting a background, think about the tone of the meeting and your audience. A funny background might be great for a casual team check-in but not appropriate for a client presentation.
Less is More: Don't feel like you need to change your background for every single meeting. Find a few professional and versatile options that you can rotate between.

Mastering the art of the pre-call Teams background is more than just a technical trick – it's a subtle yet powerful way to enhance your online presence, elevate your professionalism, and foster a more engaging and connected virtual meeting experience. So, ditch that blank wall, embrace the possibilities, and let your personality shine through, even before you say a word.

set teams video background before call - The Brass Coq

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