I once joined a meeting at a Nigerian time, 9 pm. NEPA had suddenly decided to take the light and I was the only one without a video background. When I was called on to speak and show myself, I was sweating and panting. In thick darkness, mic on, noisy background of my neighbor’s I-better-pass-you generator, I spoke up quickly, “I apologize, I have technical issues at the moment”. I was that person. The person everyone secretly prays doesn’t show up again.
We’ve all had our fair share of awkward video calls — the unmuted sneeze, the background chaos, the mysterious echo that makes everyone sound like a robot in a tunnel.
Whether you use Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, one thing’s clear — remote meetings are here to stay. So if you’re working from home, schooling online, or attending virtual family WhatsApp meeting, these tips will save you from becoming a virtual menace.
Let’s dive in.
1. Mute is your best friend
That little mic button? Use it like your life depends on it. Nobody wants to hear your neighbour’s blender or your dog chasing the cat during a meeting. Mute until you’re ready to drop some wisdom. And please — don’t start talking until you’re sure you’re unmuted. Nobody wants to play “Guess the lips” with you.
2. Find your light (not from NEPA sparks)
Good lighting is everything. Face a window if possible. If not, use your phone’s flashlight behind your laptop (pro tip: cover it with a white plastic bag for softer light). Avoid sitting with your back to the light unless you’re auditioning for a silhouette challenge.
3. Virtual backgrounds? Sure — but not the beach at 8 AM
We get it. Your room is not Pinterest-worthy. That’s fine. But if you’re going to use a virtual background, make sure your head isn’t dancing in and out of it like a ghost. Keep it simple and appropriate. This is a meeting, not a travel vlog.
4. Dress like your camera might betray you
Yes, we know you’re working from home. Yes, you only planned to be visible from the chest up. But life happens. Your child could unplug your ring light, you might need to stand up, or your camera might “accidentally” come on. Save yourself the shame — wear something decent. Please.
5. Respect the chat box
Use it wisely. Don’t argue, rant, or say “this meeting is boring” — even if you think you’re messaging your friend privately. It takes one wrong click to turn your private gist into public shame. Ask questions, drop links, share resources — be helpful, not reckless.
6. End meetings like a champ
No ghosting. Say a quick “Thank you” or wave before you bounce. It’s the little things that build virtual presence. Plus, it makes you look like the responsible adult you’re pretending to be.
Final Thoughts: The World is Watching… Literally.
In the world of remote work, how you show up on screen matters. And showing up well doesn’t require a fancy setup — just a bit of awareness, humour, and basic human courtesy.
Because nobody wants to be the reason a meeting goes from “productive” to “problematic.”
Ready to Be the MVP of Your Next Zoom or Meet Call?
Comment below if you’ve ever been caught unmuted.
And if this post made you smile, share it with someone who needs it today.
