All Etiquette Rules

Look at the lens for key moments

When making a key point, glance at the camera lens to simulate eye contact.

Why it matters: Signals confidence and attentiveness.

Applies to: Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker, Sales rep

Light your face from the front

Use front-facing light (window or lamp) so your face is evenly lit.

Why it matters: Improves clarity and makes you easier to read.

Applies to: Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker

Check video before joining

Do a quick self-check (lighting, angle, background) before clicking Join.

Why it matters: Prevents avoidable distractions at the start.

Applies to: Participant, Presenter / speaker

Minimize fidgeting and swiveling

Avoid constant chair swivels, tapping, or bouncing that pulls attention.

Why it matters: Camera amplifies small movements.

Applies to: Participant, Presenter / speaker

No eating on camera in formal meetings

Avoid eating on camera in formal meetings unless it’s explicitly a working meal.

Why it matters: Maintains professionalism and reduces noise/distraction.

Applies to: Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Hosts should set chat rules at the start

State how chat will be used (questions, links, off-topic policy) at the beginning.

Why it matters: Prevents chaos and sets expectations.

Applies to: Host / facilitator, Moderator

Be cautious with emojis in formal settings

In formal meetings, use reactions sparingly and avoid ambiguous emojis.

Why it matters: Different people interpret emojis differently.

Applies to: Interview candidate, Participant

Use reactions to reduce interruptions

Use reactions (raise hand, thumbs up) for quick signals instead of interrupting.

Why it matters: Improves flow and reduces cross-talk.

Applies to: Participant

Acknowledge with a reaction when you can’t reply

If you’re asked in chat and can’t answer immediately, acknowledge with a quick reaction.

Why it matters: Shows you saw it and will respond later.

Acknowledge chat questions verbally

Acknowledge relevant chat questions verbally when possible.

Why it matters: Shows attentiveness and keeps chat aligned with discussion.

Don’t share sensitive links in chat

Avoid posting private links or credentials in chat; use secure channels.

Why it matters: Chat logs may be retained or forwarded.

Ask questions using the agreed method

Follow the host’s Q&A process (chat, Q&A tab, raise hand).

Why it matters: Helps moderators manage time and prioritize.

Applies to: Participant

Avoid side conversations in public chat

Keep public chat relevant to the meeting; move side topics to private messages.

Why it matters: Prevents distraction and confusion.

Applies to: Participant

Avoid correcting people publicly in chat

If you need to correct someone, do it verbally with care or privately—avoid public chat callouts.

Why it matters: Prevents embarrassment and conflict.

Use chat for clarification, not debate

Use chat for short clarifications, links, and questions—not extended arguments.

Why it matters: Keeps the meeting focused and readable.

Applies to: Participant

Summarize decisions in chat

Post a brief summary of key decisions and next steps in chat.

Why it matters: Creates a lightweight record everyone can copy.

Applies to: Host / facilitator, Presenter / speaker

Use @mentions thoughtfully

Only @mention someone when action is needed—avoid spamming.

Why it matters: Reduces notification overload.

Applies to: Participant

Use concise messages

Keep chat messages short and single-topic.

Why it matters: Improves readability and moderation.

Applies to: Participant

Clarify camera expectations across cultures

Don’t assume camera norms—set expectations and allow reasonable exceptions.

Why it matters: Camera-on expectations vary by region, role, and privacy norms.

Default to clear, respectful language

Use clear, respectful language and avoid sarcasm or idioms in global calls.

Why it matters: Reduces misinterpretation across languages and cultures.