Education Meeting Etiquette
Virtual meeting etiquette rules for education organizations.
If multitasking is allowed, declare it
If you’re joining as a listener while multitasking, be transparent when relevant.
Sets expectations and avoids missed responses.
View detailsAvoid phone calls during meetings
Don’t take phone calls during a meeting; if urgent, excuse yourself.
Split attention harms group coordination.
View detailsSignal active listening
Use brief acknowledgments (nod, short 'yes', reaction) to show you’re engaged.
Reduces uncertainty in remote conversations.
View detailsAsk for a recap instead of guessing
If you missed something, ask for a short recap at an appropriate moment.
Prevents misunderstandings and wrong follow-through.
View detailsUse a tidy, neutral background
Choose a clean background with minimal movement and no sensitive items visible.
Reduces distraction and protects privacy.
View detailsTurn camera on for interviews
Keep your camera on for interviews unless you’ve agreed otherwise.
Helps build trust and improves communication cues.
View detailsSignal when stepping away
If you need to step away, briefly message in chat or use a status indicator.
Prevents confusion and missed questions.
View detailsLight your face from the front
Use front-facing light (window or lamp) so your face is evenly lit.
Improves clarity and makes you easier to read.
View detailsCheck video before joining
Do a quick self-check (lighting, angle, background) before clicking Join.
Prevents avoidable distractions at the start.
View detailsMinimize fidgeting and swiveling
Avoid constant chair swivels, tapping, or bouncing that pulls attention.
Camera amplifies small movements.
View detailsHosts should set chat rules at the start
State how chat will be used (questions, links, off-topic policy) at the beginning.
Prevents chaos and sets expectations.
View detailsUse reactions to reduce interruptions
Use reactions (raise hand, thumbs up) for quick signals instead of interrupting.
Improves flow and reduces cross-talk.
View detailsAcknowledge chat questions verbally
Acknowledge relevant chat questions verbally when possible.
Shows attentiveness and keeps chat aligned with discussion.
View detailsAsk questions using the agreed method
Follow the host’s Q&A process (chat, Q&A tab, raise hand).
Helps moderators manage time and prioritize.
View detailsAvoid side conversations in public chat
Keep public chat relevant to the meeting; move side topics to private messages.
Prevents distraction and confusion.
View detailsUse chat for clarification, not debate
Use chat for short clarifications, links, and questions—not extended arguments.
Keeps the meeting focused and readable.
View detailsUse concise messages
Keep chat messages short and single-topic.
Improves readability and moderation.
View detailsDress appropriately for the meeting context
Choose attire that matches the importance and audience of the meeting.
Visual appearance influences credibility and first impressions.
View detailsAnnounce when you’re recording
If audio is being recorded, announce it clearly at the start.
Supports consent and compliance expectations.
View detailsMute your microphone when not speaking
Keep your microphone muted unless you’re actively speaking.
Reduces background noise and interruptions.
View detailsState your name before speaking in large calls
In large meetings, say your name first before your question or comment.
Helps everyone track who’s speaking, especially with audio-only attendees.
View detailsState retention and access for recordings
If you record, state who will have access and how long it will be kept.
Builds trust and supports compliance.
View detailsAvoid sharing meeting links in public channels
Don’t repost meeting links publicly unless the event is explicitly public.
Reduces risk of unwanted attendees.
View detailsGet consent before recording
Ask for consent before recording and explain the purpose and retention.
Supports privacy expectations and legal compliance.
View detailsSanitize your desktop and notifications
Before screen sharing, close private messages and disable pop-up notifications.
Protects confidential information and reduces distractions.
View detailsAvoid busy patterns on camera
Avoid stripes and high-contrast patterns that flicker on video.
Improves visual clarity and reduces distraction.
View detailsMatch formality to the meeting type
Dress one level more formal than your everyday baseline for the same audience.
Signals respect and professionalism without being distracting.
View detailsKeep food and drink subtle on camera
If it’s acceptable to drink, use a quiet container and avoid eating unless agreed.
Reduces noise and distraction.
View detailsUse consistent branding as a host
Hosts should align appearance with the event brand and audience expectations.
Builds credibility and a cohesive experience.
View detailsConsider accessibility in visuals
Avoid small text on clothing and low-contrast visuals that strain viewers.
Supports accessibility and readability on small screens.
View detailsUse a professional display name
Set your display name to your real name (and team/company if relevant).
Helps identification and reduces friction in large groups.
View detailsSend materials in advance
Share key documents beforehand instead of screen-reading in the meeting.
Improves decision quality and saves time.
View detailsJoin 2–5 minutes early
Join a few minutes early to resolve audio/video issues before the meeting starts.
Protects the first minutes for content, not troubleshooting.
View detailsStart with a quick roll call in large meetings
In large meetings, begin with a quick structure: purpose, timing, Q&A method.
Reduces confusion and improves engagement.
View detailsIf you must leave early, say so upfront
If you’ll leave early, mention it at the start or in chat.
Sets expectations and prevents confusion when you disappear.
View detailsIf late, acknowledge briefly in chat
If you join late, post a brief apology in chat and catch up quietly.
Avoids derailing the current speaker.
View details