Smart Videoconferencing: New Habits for Virtual Meetings

by Janelle Barlow, Lewis Barlow, Peta Peter

Book Overview

Smart Videoconferencing is the first book to show people how to participate effectively in videoconferences, rather than just how to set them up. The authors show that just like traditional meetings,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576751929
• ISBN13: 9781576751923
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

When the Stakes are High ...

Last month, after our company installed a new videoconferencing system, my boss asked me to assume responsibility for our first trial meeting with a midwestern customer organization. I was very excited about the promise that this new technology could afford our business. But, I must confess, that the actual videoconference event was a big disappointment. Even though the equipment worked as promised, the meeting felt like Ted Mack's "Original Amateur Hour." That's when I began browsing around for a book that might address the weaknesses I perceived in our interaction. And, I discovered that only one book - of the dozens available on videoconferencing - actually dealt with the human communication issues involved.After my first experience, I can attest that these are, indeed, the most important.Our next videoconference event is scheduled in a few days - and I think our company is now much better prepared, thanks to the helpful, practical tips in this book, Smart Videoconferencing This book emphasizes the significant differences that exist between a face to face meeting and a videoconference. There is a paradox involved, because the videoconference demands both greater care and professionalism, while, at the same time, there is the necessity for a sense of relaxation and authenticity. I can tell you that our first event lacked both of these qualities - and our company lost some business as a result. Now, I think I we can avoid the mistakes we made last time.I highly recommend this book for anyone engaged in videoconferencing when the stakes are high.

Guidebook for the New World of Communication

Before September 11, 2001, videoconferencing was becoming more popular. The distractions of not-fully-developed technology were being overcome and the media was increasing in use-for ongoing meetings as well as formal conference presentations. Some people are fairly proficient with the use of videoconferencing-understanding when, where, how, and why. Most of us are relatively ignorant, a dangerous position when videoconferencing on an individual and group level is exploding. Finally there's a book that guides us through the many important aspects of this emerging field. Lead author Janelle Barlow is an accomplished speaker with an international reputation. The co-authors work for the same consulting firm. They have extensive experience participating in videoconferences, so they've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Realizing that there was not a good comprehensive layman's book in the field, they did the research and prepared a tool to educate and prepare us. Their perspective is that videoconferencing is growing, but will not replace face-to-face meetings. The new technology has its place, and reading this book will help you understand where that "place" is in the grand scheme of human-to-human communication.The authors propose that there are four habits to learn and embrace to look good and have a high level of effectiveness. The habits, which are each explained-taught-in separate chapters, are Leverage Your Choices (videoconferencing is not always appropriate), Think Prime Time (viewers expect you to look good-and professional . . . just like what they see on commercial television), Make Technology Your Friend (it all works for you, if you let it . . . but then, there's Murphy's Law), and Maximize Your Presence (the little tricks of the trade to improve your appearance and presentation). Rather than throw readers directly into the deep end of the pool, the authors invest the firsts section of their book in a valuable explanation of videoconferencing's position, opportunities, and limitations. After they've presented their habits, they conclude with a comprehensive checklist, legal issues like copyrights, and a perspective on the future of the field. More added value comes from the appendices on storyboarding and commonly mispronounced words. Included are a bibliography, index, and a comprehensive list of terms used in the field. Vignettes about experiences with videoconferencing spice up each chapter, providing a lightness and a sort of permission to be human. This is a developing medium, not a science. Learn from this book, try videoconferencing, allow yourself to make some mistakes, and build your competence and confidence. The future is here.

AN EXTREMELY HELPFUL BOOK

This book has greatly helped me raise my overall presentation skills in videoconferencing and make much more of an impact on the people I am communicating with. I wish such a book was available several years ago! It was also very easy to read and entertaining.

Great job on the presentation aspects of the field

I have read a lot of books on the subject of VC. It is great that someone has finally begun to look at the very important presentation aspects of this field, which the authors have done extremely well. This book is a fantastic primer for how to look your best during a VC and create the right impression with your audience. I highly recommend it.

A Much Needed Guide to Successful Videoconferencing

This book is thorough and absolutely the first of its type that I've seen. Many organizations have videoconferencing technology and they aren't using it fully -- or using it at all. I don't know where people got the idea that they can just sit in front of a camera and behave the same way as on a teleconference or in person.Some people don't like the way they get exposed on videoconferences. On teleconferences, they can hide when they don't know the answer to something, or madly shuffle through their papers. They can't behave the same way on a videoconference as on a teleconference. They have to prepare differently for it. They need to learn new habits.This book is the first that shows you step-by-step how to prepare for and successfully participate in videoconferences. It will help you to be successful with this rapidly emerging business tool. I highly recommend it.