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There are several core factors to help you choose between audio vs. video conferencing for your small business meetings. Both business meeting styles allow you to use the internet to foster engaging, professional team conferences. With video conferencing tools, you can use interactive webcams, backgrounds, and annotations to make your meeting more exciting. Audio meetings, on the other hand, allow you to easily conduct professional meetings only using voice. Of course, there are upsides and drawbacks to both forms of conferencing. To help you make the best decision, read on to learn about audio vs. video conferencing for small business meetings.
What Is Audio Conferencing?
This webconference service connects you with others and only shares audio information. No video cameras will be used and no one can see each other. This is basically the same as a phone call with many people at once. The service may allow people to share files and screens with each other depending on the service, but the main thing here is hearing each other as opposed to seeing each other.
What Is Video Conferencing?
This webconference service taps into your computer’s video camera and allows everyone to see you. While video is prioritized, the service will also use your microphone so that you can speak to everyone as well. This ensures that everyone can see each other and it’s much closer to a face-to-face meeting.
Pros And Cons
Audio conference requires far less bandwidth since only audio information is being transmitted. This makes it the better choice if Internet connections aren’t the best. At the same time, they can feel impersonal since you’re not actually seeing the person.
Video conferencing allows everyone to see each other. This makes it like a real meeting. This technology also makes it easier to share business presentations and visual aids. Another benefit is that you can make sure people are paying attention since you can see what they’re doing.
At the same time, just like with real meetings, people have to prepare for them. No one wants to look bad in front of their peers and coworkers, so it can take longer for people to join the conference. This also requires a better Internet connection or people might get spotty reception.
One benefit of both is that they use common technology. In the past you would have to buy a microphone or camera for these services. The components are now very common and included on all major computers. You can use a webconference service as long as you have a camera and microphone in your computer.
When To Use Each
This is largely a matter of preference, but many companies tend to use audio conferencing for shorter interactions or routine meetings while video conferencing is for more important meetings. Audio conferences tend to be shorter overall while video conferencing is usually at least an hour long or longer.
There may also be internet speed considerations. If some key members have very poor bandwidth for some reason, then audio conferencing may be required for any type of meeting. Video conferencing may also be required for shorter meetings if members must be seen for some reason or another.
Consider the capabilities of each and you’ll figure out which is best for your needs.
How To Choose
Before you make your decision, there are several core factors to quickly evaluate. First and foremost, you should take a look at the equipment required. In video conferencing, each participant will require webcams, internet connection, and sufficient bandwidth. Of course, audio web business meetings, on the other hand, require slightly less hardware to get going. After analyzing equipment, you need to review the costs, sight, and features that each solution offers. This way, you can make a confident, educated decision to support your decision.
Audio and video conferencing are two ways to connect with people regardless of distance. With the proper tools, you can create more powerful business connections across your company. While both offer different benefits, they are both useful in keeping business going and ensuring that meetings happen as scheduled.
