There are a few issues to consider before attending remote meetings for all attendees, including the host and any presenters. These include:

Choosing a suitable location

You should choose a quiet room, away from the rest of the family. It also needs to have a decent internet connection—so avoid anywhere too far from the wireless router unless you have plenty of boosters around the house. You also need to think about where you are going to sit. It is better to have natural light, but NOT directly behind you, as this makes it more difficult to see your face.

A Word on Backgrounds

It is worth thinking about what is behind you in the camera shot, because everyone is going to see it. A clear wall is fine, as is a bookshelf (although you may want to consider what books people will see).

Some apps allow you to set up a virtual background. However, this may need a ‘green screen’, and the effect may be less than ideal without that.

Setting up the technology

If you are going to use the camera, and not just audio, make sure that you have it at or around eye level. This looks much more natural. Check your audio and video in advance (many apps will do this for you when you connect) and mute your microphone unless you are speaking to avoid disrupting other speakers.

Removing distractions

Remember that you are going to be visible to the meeting host and other attendees. Remove your phone, or at least switch it to silent, so that you are not distracted by notifications.