Troubleshooting 5 common video call issues

t would be silly of us to pretend that every video call is a seamless experience, with zero hiccups and perfect connections. As with anything tech based, there can sometimes be some uninvited issues (keeps you on your toes at least). So, rather than plead ignorance, we’ve decided to address some of the most common video call issues and advise on how best to solve them.  

A pesky broadband connection 

One of the most common video call issues, a poor internet connection. Don’t despair there are some simple actions you can take to make this less of an issue.  

Ensure you’ve closed all unnecessary browser tabs and run a broadband speed test to see how it’s performing. If you know your broadband is up to mischief then we recommend dialling in, a phone connection will be more reliable if your internet connection is poor. If you’ve joined using webcam with computer audio and the connection is choppy, then switch your webcam off. This will help, as it will use less bandwidth and should help your audio stabilise.     

Lots of background noise 

Don’t you just hate meetings where it sounds like someone is in a wind tunnel? Us too.  

This one is a simple fix. If you have one, then always use a headset. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a pair of headphones lying around will do the trick. You’ll get a clearer sound if you happen to be in a noisy environment. If you don’t have a headset then mute yourself when you’re not speaking, this will help everyone have a smoother and more productive video call experience.  

Compatibility conundrums 

Before you use any video call product make sure that the device you’re on it supported. This won’t take long and can often be found in the FAQs. There are two main things to check, with a browser-based product ensure the browser you’re using is supported. The other is to make sure your Operating System (OS) is supported. This will prevent any unnecessary hiccups when joining and help you have the most productive meetings.  

Unknown territory 

When using video for the first time  there’s no harm in doing a dry run, get familiar with the tool. This means understanding how to join and set-up a meeting, the layout and the features it offers such as how to initiate a screen share. This will help massively when it comes to having the actual meeting. You won’t waste any time trying to figure out what each button does and can get right on with the important stuff.  

Confidence issues and conquering them 

A meeting with video is different from your run of the mill conference call. It feels like there’s a lot more to think about when video is involved and there is but that doesn’t mean it has to make things difficult. To take the fear out of video it’s important to understand why you’d use video. You’re able to humanise the conversation and communicate more effectively, which is great when meeting new clients or teaching an online class for example. Meetings with video tend to me more engaging because they are closer to a real-life meeting and encourage participation from everyone.  

To help with your confidence in front of the webcam understand you’re not alone. We’re all self-conscious to an extent, people are more fussed about what they look like than what you look like. Choose an environment that you’re relaxed in, this will translate to how you appear on video. Finally, and most crucially, the more meetings with video you have the less you’ll worry.  

Become a video conferencing pro 

Now that you know the potential issues that could arise and exactly how to tackle them there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a pro. So, go on, get video calling today!  

For more information please see our FAQs.