Freelancers & consultants Meeting Etiquette
Virtual meeting etiquette rules for freelancers & consultants organizations.
Use notes, not a script
Use bullet notes rather than reading a full script.
Sounds more natural and improves eye contact.
View detailsClose unrelated tabs before joining
Before joining, close unrelated tabs and silence notifications.
Prevents distraction and accidental screen-share leaks.
View detailsDon’t do parallel work in small meetings
In small meetings, avoid multitasking unless explicitly agreed.
It reads as disrespect and lowers trust.
View detailsAvoid virtual backgrounds in high-stakes calls
Avoid glitchy virtual backgrounds for high-stakes conversations unless they look stable.
Visual artifacts can be distracting and may reduce perceived professionalism.
View detailsFrame at eye level
Position the camera at eye level and keep your face centered with head-and-shoulders framing.
Creates a natural, professional presence and reduces distraction.
View detailsSummarize decisions in chat
Post a brief summary of key decisions and next steps in chat.
Creates a lightweight record everyone can copy.
View detailsDo a 10-second audio check
Test your mic and speakers before important calls.
Prevents avoidable delays and awkward troubleshooting live.
View detailsUse a stable connection or dial-in
If your internet is unstable, use a wired connection or dial-in audio.
Audio reliability matters more than HD video.
View detailsShare only the intended window
When sharing, share a single window/tab—not your entire screen—unless necessary.
Prevents accidental exposure of private content.
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 detailsUse consistent branding as a host
Hosts should align appearance with the event brand and audience expectations.
Builds credibility and a cohesive experience.
View detailsKeep your camera view stable
Avoid handheld devices; use a stable surface for your camera.
A steady image looks more professional and reduces motion sickness.
View detailsKeep workspace visible area tidy
Ensure the visible workspace looks orderly and professional.
What’s in frame shapes perceived competence.
View detailsRespect the scheduled end time
Aim to end on time; confirm before extending the meeting.
Protects people’s calendars and prevents fatigue.
View detailsClose with clear next steps
End with a short recap: decisions, owners, deadlines.
Prevents misunderstandings and follow-up churn.
View detailsAvoid last-minute reschedules
Only reschedule last-minute when necessary, and propose clear alternatives.
Shows respect and reduces coordination costs.
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