How To Use Microsoft Teams Video Call

Are you puzzled over how to perform a video call using Microsoft Teams? You’re not alone. This robust communication tool, which offers diverse functionality spanning from instant messaging to hosting large-scale live events, can seem overwhelming at first glance.

In this blog post, you’ll discover simple steps and practical tips to navigate the world of Microsoft Teams Video Call seamlessly. Let’s make your next online meeting a breeze!

Key Takeaways

• To start a video call in Microsoft Teams, open the chat list and click on “New chat” to initiate a conversation with the desired person.
• Users can adjust settings before starting a video call to ensure a smooth experience, such as fine-tuning meeting time, sharing the agenda with participants, and testing audio and video equipment.
• Microsoft Teams offers additional features like live events for large-scale virtual gatherings and instant messaging for real-time communication during meetings.
• App integrations allow users to connect and collaborate with other tools they use daily, enhancing communication capabilities and collaboration efficiency.

Getting Started with Microsoft Teams Video Calls

To start a video call in Microsoft Teams, begin by opening the chat list and clicking on “New chat” to initiate a conversation with the desired person.

Starting a call from a chat

To initiate a call from a chat in Microsoft Teams, there are several steps to follow.

1. Begin by navigating to your chat list where you can access all of your chats.
2. Click on the “New chat” button located at the top left of the screen to open a new dialogue box.
3. Once the new chat is created, type the names of the people you want to call in the “To” field at the top of the window.
4. With your recipients selected, look for and click on the video call button found near the middle-top part of your screen, next to other options such as file share or emoji.
5. If you’re already engaged in a text – based conversation with someone and wish to switch into a video call, simply use the option that allows converting a chat into a call.
6. Teams also offers advanced calling options like initiating group calls involving multiple participants.
7. Other features include leaving voicemails if someone fails to pick up their Teams’ call.

Setting up video conferencing

Starting your video conferencing experience on Microsoft Teams begins with some easy steps. First, you need to create an account using the ‘Account registration’ feature. After logging in via desktop or mobile device, you start a call by clicking on the “Meet” icon located in the top-right corner. Now, dive into group discussions by initiating a video call from a selected chat using the ‘Video call’ option.

Scheduling meetings

Scheduling meetings in Microsoft Teams can be a quick and easy process. Here are the steps:

1. Navigate to your chat window and click on the “Schedule a meeting” button. This option is available in both one-on-one conversations as well as group chats.
2. Pick an appropriate time and date for your meeting from the calendar pop – up that appears.
3. Add relevant details such as subject, location, and description for the meeting to help attendees understand what will be discussed.
4. Use the “Attendees” field to add people you would like to invite to the meeting. You can either type their names or email addresses directly into this field, or select them from your contacts list.
5. To make scheduling more specific, consider associating meetings with specific channels which allows team members to join easily, view agenda, conversation, and share files.
6. Don’t forget that you also have the option to generate a unique meeting link by choosing ‘shareable link’ under options after creating your meeting; participants can use this link to join.
7. If any of your attendees will be joining via phone call, Microsoft Teams offers conference call numbers for these participants.

Additional Features of Microsoft Teams Video Calls

– Microsoft Teams also offers additional features like live events, where users can host large scale virtual gatherings for up to 10,000 attendees.

– Instant messaging is another feature available in Microsoft Teams video calls, allowing participants to communicate via text during the meeting.

– Users can integrate various apps with Microsoft Teams, enhancing collaboration and productivity during video calls.

Live events

Teams live events is an exciting feature of Microsoft Teams Video Calls that allows users to broadcast their meetings and content to a large online audience. Whether it’s a virtual conference, webinar, or company-wide announcement, live events provide a platform for reaching out to viewers in real-time.

With options for screen sharing, Q&A sessions, and audience engagement, live events in Microsoft Teams offer flexibility and interactivity for both presenters and attendees. Participants can choose to enable or disable their video feed, making it easy to manage the visual aspect of the event.

Overall, Teams live events are a powerful tool for online broadcasting and creating impactful virtual gatherings.

Instant messaging

Microsoft Teams offers an instant messaging platform as part of its video call features. This platform allows users to connect instantly through one-on-one or group chats. It includes various chat features such as emojis, GIFs, rich-text editing, and threaded conversations.

With the ability to share screens during video calls, Microsoft Teams promotes fast-paced decision making and collaboration. The instant messaging feature is designed to reduce email clutter and facilitate efficient communication among team members.

By leveraging this tool, users can level up their work, connect with others for greater impact, and scale their businesses to achieve more.

App integrations

Microsoft Teams offers app integrations that provide additional features for video calls. These integrations allow users to seamlessly connect and collaborate with other tools they use every day, such as Zoom, Webex Calling, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, and more.

With these integrations, users can start video meetings instantly, make calls without interrupting their workflow, optimize desktop-based Microsoft Teams experiences, and explore a range of web application integrations.

This makes Microsoft Teams a versatile platform that enhances communication capabilities and improves collaboration efficiency for teams across various industries.

Tips and Best Practices for Using Microsoft Teams Video Calls

– Help others prepare for the meeting by sharing any necessary documents or information ahead of time.

– Adjust settings before the meeting starts to ensure a smooth video call experience.

– Facilitate an active meeting by encouraging participants to engage and contribute.

– Make use of Microsoft Teams features like screen sharing and chat during the video call.

Read on to learn more about these tips and best practices for using Microsoft Teams Video Calls.

Helping others prepare for the meeting

To ensure a successful video call in Microsoft Teams, it’s important to help others prepare for the meeting. One tip is to provide clear instructions on joining the call and any necessary log-in information.

Additionally, encourage participants to test their audio and video settings before the meeting starts to avoid technical difficulties. Remind them of any specific documents or materials they should have ready, as well as any pre-meeting tasks they need to complete.

By taking these steps, you can help everyone feel prepared and confident for the virtual gathering.

Adjusting settings before the meeting starts

Before starting a Microsoft Teams video call, it is important to adjust the settings to ensure a smooth and productive meeting. Here are some key settings to consider:

1. Fine-tuning meeting time: Make sure you have allocated sufficient time for the meeting, taking into account any potential technical issues or discussion points that may require extra time.
2. Sharing the agenda with participants: Send the meeting agenda in advance so that participants can come prepared and know what to expect during the call.
3. Hosting the meeting in a team channel: Consider hosting the video call in a specific team channel rather than just in your personal chat. This keeps all related discussions, files, and notes in one place for easy reference.
4. Testing the video call before the meeting: Check your camera, microphone, and speakers before the scheduled start time to ensure they are working properly. This will help avoid any last-minute technical difficulties.
5. Using keyboard shortcuts for quick actions: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly mute/unmute your microphone, start/end video, and navigate through different features of Microsoft Teams during the call.
6. Optimization for Microsoft Teams with Citrix: If you are using Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops or Citrix Workspace app, take advantage of their optimization feature for Microsoft Teams. This helps improve performance and user experience during video calls.
7. Integration between Microsoft Teams and Zoom: If you prefer using Zoom’s features within Microsoft Teams, such as Team Chat, Meetings, and Phone, take advantage of the integration between these two platforms.
8. Switching from Microsoft Teams to Google Workspace for video calls: If you find that Google Workspace better suits your needs for video calls, consider switching from Microsoft Teams to Google Workspace.
9. Changing views during video calls in Microsoft Teams: Experiment with different view options available in Microsoft Teams (e.g., Gallery view, Together mode) to find the most suitable layout for your meeting.
10. Adjusting camera settings in Microsoft Teams: Take advantage of the camera settings available in Microsoft Teams to adjust brightness, contrast, and other visual settings to enhance your appearance during the call.

Facilitating an active meeting

Facilitating an active meeting is crucial to ensure effective communication and collaboration among participants. Here are some tips and best practices for facilitating an active meeting on Microsoft Teams video calls:

1. Start the meeting on time and greet all participants to create a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Clearly state the meeting objectives and agenda at the beginning to set expectations.
3. Encourage active participation by inviting input from all attendees and creating opportunities for discussion.
4. Use visual aids, such as screen sharing or PowerPoint presentations, to support your points and keep attendees engaged.
5. Utilize Microsoft Teams features like polls or chat – based Q&A to promote interaction during the meeting.
6. Keep the conversation focused and on track by politely redirecting off-topic discussions.
7. Monitor the chat window for any questions or comments from participants who may be hesitant to speak up verbally.
8. Practice active listening by summarizing key points, acknowledging contributions, and asking follow – up questions.
9. Assign roles or tasks to specific individuals during the meeting to ensure accountability and involvement.
10. End the meeting with a clear summary of action items, decisions made, and next steps.

Making use of Microsoft Teams features

Microsoft Teams offers a range of features to enhance your video call experience. Here’s how you can make use of these features:

1. Customize camera settings: Adjust your camera settings and video appearance during calls to ensure optimal visibility and clarity.
2. Access training materials: Utilize the available training materials to learn how to effectively use Microsoft Teams and make the most out of its features.
3. Recording meetings: Capture audio, video, and screen sharing activities during meetings by recording them for future reference or sharing with participants.
4. App integrations: Take advantage of app integrations within Microsoft Teams to enhance collaboration and streamline work processes.
5. Hybrid work capabilities: Benefit from Microsoft Teams’ design for hybrid work, enabling teams to stay informed, organized, and connected regardless of location.
6. Group call recording: Record group calls in Microsoft Teams, allowing you to capture important discussions and insights for later review.
7. Collaboration tools: Use the various collaboration tools within Teams, such as file sharing, co-authoring documents in real-time, and accessing shared calendars.
8. Scheduling presentations and events: Take advantage of Microsoft Teams’ scheduling options for different types of presentations, including meetings, webinars, or live events.
9. Adjusting audio settings: Ensure optimal sound quality during video calls by adjusting audio settings according to your preferences.
10. Screen sharing capabilities: Share your screen with other participants during meetings or calls to present information or collaborate on documents together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft Teams offers a seamless and efficient way to conduct video calls and conferences. With its user-friendly interface and additional features like live events and instant messaging, it enhances remote collaboration and communication.

By following the tips and best practices mentioned in this guide, users can maximize their experience with Microsoft Teams video calls and make the most out of this powerful tool for remote work.

Start using Microsoft Teams today to stay connected and productive with your team!