What are the most effective strategies for managing background noise during video conferences?

1 Choose a quiet location

The first and most obvious strategy is to choose a quiet location for your video conference. If possible, avoid places where there is a lot of ambient noise, such as traffic, construction, or other people talking. If you work from home, try to find a room where you can close the door and isolate yourself from any potential interruptions. If you work in a shared office, use a private booth or a meeting room that has good sound insulation.

2 Use a headset or earbuds

Another way to reduce background noise is to use a headset or earbuds instead of your laptop or phone speakers and microphone. A headset or earbuds can help you hear and speak more clearly, and block out some of the external noise. They can also prevent feedback and echo, which can occur when your microphone picks up the sound from your speakers. Make sure that your headset or earbuds are comfortable and have a good battery life, and test them before your video conference.

3 Mute yourself when not speaking

One of the most common and courteous rules of video conferencing is to mute yourself when you are not speaking. This can prevent your background noise from disrupting the conversation and distracting the other participants. It can also help you avoid any awkward or embarrassing moments, such as when your dog barks, your doorbell rings, or your child interrupts you. You can use the mute button on your video conferencing software or your headset or earbuds to mute and unmute yourself easily.

4 Use noise cancellation features

Some video conferencing software and devices have noise cancellation features that can help you filter out background noise and enhance your voice. For example, Zoom has a background noise suppression option that you can adjust in your audio settings. You can also use third-party apps or plugins that can reduce noise and improve sound quality, such as Krisp or NoiseGator. However, be aware that some noise cancellation features may also affect your voice or the sound of other participants, so test them before using them.

5 Inform others about your video conference

Another strategy to manage background noise is to inform others about your video conference and ask them to respect your privacy and silence. This can include your family members, roommates, colleagues, or neighbors, depending on your situation. You can also put a sign on your door or desk that indicates that you are in a video conference and that you do not want to be disturbed. This can help you avoid unwanted interruptions and noise.

6 Be flexible and understanding

Finally, it is important to be flexible and understanding when it comes to background noise during video conferences. Sometimes, background noise is unavoidable or unpredictable, and you may have to deal with it as best as you can. You can also acknowledge and apologize for any noise that you cause or experience, and ask for repetition or clarification if you miss or misunderstand something. Remember that everyone in your virtual team may have different challenges and circumstances, and that a little noise is not the end of the world.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?