Smart Videoconferencing: New Habits for Virtual Meetings [Paperback]

Janelle Barlow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 2002

In recent years, videoconferencing technology has improved significantly as equipment prices have dropped. Smart Videoconferencing demonstrates how to integrate this technology into business communications. The authors address the most basic concerns of users: how to handle the equipment, how to reduce distractions, how to avoid mistakes, and how to look and sound your best on camera.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book provides unique and pragmatic insight into communication using videoconferencing. In today's world where many are trying to define new strategies to deal with geographic separation and time sensitive issues, Smart Videoconferencing is essential reading." - Craig Dinsell, Executive Vice President, Oppenheimer Funds; "Substantive and practical from beginning to end. This is the only book you need to read for all your on-camera videoconferencing needs." - Nido R. Qubein, Chairman, Great Harvest Bread Company

About the Author

Janelle Barlow is President and owner of TMI, USA a partner with the Danish-based multinational training and consulting group. Peta Peter is a senior partner with TMI US and a popular speaker and trainer. Lewis Barlow works in sales and business development for TMI US.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (September 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751929
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751923
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Media Smarts, November 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Smart Videoconferencing: New Habits for Virtual Meetings (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book, but I think it's titled wrong. It should be Media Savvy Videoconferencing. I bought the book thinking it would be about videoconferencing exclusively, but actually it's filled with information about how to look good whenever you are in front of the media. This book should be read by all PR people and anyone who has to do television appearances. There really are tricks to the trade. Why do media savvy people generally look good on television? Because they are using the techniques described in this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Stakes are High ..., October 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Smart Videoconferencing: New Habits for Virtual Meetings (Paperback)

Last month, after our company installed a new videoconferencing system, my boss asked me to assume responsibility for our first trial meeting with a midwestern customer organization. I was very excited about the promise that this new technology could afford our business. But, I must confess, that the actual videoconference event was a big disappointment. Even though the equipment worked as promised, the meeting felt like Ted Mack's "Original Amateur Hour." That's when I began browsing around for a book that might address the weaknesses I perceived in our interaction. And, I discovered that only one book - of the dozens available on videoconferencing - actually dealt with the human communication issues involved.

After my first experience, I can attest that these are, indeed, the most important.

Our next videoconference event is scheduled in a few days - and I think our company is now much better prepared, thanks to the helpful, practical tips in this book, Smart Videoconferencing This book emphasizes the significant differences that exist between a face to face meeting and a videoconference. There is a paradox involved, because the videoconference demands both greater care and professionalism, while, at the same time, there is the necessity for a sense of relaxation and authenticity. I can tell you that our first event lacked both of these qualities - and our company lost some business as a result. Now, I think I we can avoid the mistakes we made last time.

I highly recommend this book for anyone engaged in videoconferencing when the stakes are high.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guidebook for the New World of Communication, September 28, 2002

By 

Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smart Videoconferencing: New Habits for Virtual Meetings (Paperback)

Before September 11, 2001, videoconferencing was becoming more popular. The distractions of not-fully-developed technology were being overcome and the media was increasing in use-for ongoing meetings as well as formal conference presentations. Some people are fairly proficient with the use of videoconferencing-understanding when, where, how, and why. Most of us are relatively ignorant, a dangerous position when videoconferencing on an individual and group level is exploding.

Finally there's a book that guides us through the many important aspects of this emerging field. Lead author Janelle Barlow is an accomplished speaker with an international reputation. The co-authors work for the same consulting firm. They have extensive experience participating in videoconferences, so they've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Realizing that there was not a good comprehensive layman's book in the field, they did the research and prepared a tool to educate and prepare us. Their perspective is that videoconferencing is growing, but will not replace face-to-face meetings. The new technology has its place, and reading this book will help you understand where that "place" is in the grand scheme of human-to-human communication.

The authors propose that there are four habits to learn and embrace to look good and have a high level of effectiveness. The habits, which are each explained-taught-in separate chapters, are Leverage Your Choices (videoconferencing is not always appropriate), Think Prime Time (viewers expect you to look good-and professional . . . just like what they see on commercial television), Make Technology Your Friend (it all works for you, if you let it . . . but then, there's Murphy's Law), and Maximize Your Presence (the little tricks of the trade to improve your appearance and presentation).

Rather than throw readers directly into the deep end of the pool, the authors invest the firsts section of their book in a valuable explanation of videoconferencing's position, opportunities, and limitations. After they've presented their habits, they conclude with a comprehensive checklist, legal issues like copyrights, and a perspective on the future of the field. More added value comes from the appendices on storyboarding and commonly mispronounced words. Included are a bibliography, index, and a comprehensive list of terms used in the field. Vignettes about experiences with videoconferencing spice up each chapter, providing a lightness and a sort of permission to be human.

This is a developing medium, not a science. Learn from this book, try videoconferencing, allow yourself to make some mistakes, and build your competence and confidence. The future is here.