Last Updated on Feb 28, 2020 by James W
Keeping everyone involved in the loop has always been an important part of business. During pitches, ideas and projects, communication is absolutely imperative; and sometimes, firing off a quick email just isn’t enough.
It’s not always practical for remote workers to drop everything and come into the office for a meeting. Equally, busy team members are not always able to be where they need to be at the right time. This is why increasingly businesses invest in video conferencing technology to keep projects running smoothly even when those involved are not present.
But it’s not just the business sector that enjoys the benefits of video calling. Given that every industry requires communication, it’s not surprise that many other areas of industry are starting to use video conferencing – and in some cases, tweaking it as appropriate to the profession.
Seeing clearly
Telephone meetings are perfectly adequate in some situations, but in many cases adding video really does provide a more human side to things. Be3ing able to see the body language of those speaking means that it’s second only to having them right there – and it’s surprising how much a meeting can be affected by being able to read something like that.
International communications experts Powwownow second this notion:
“Being able to see the people you are talking with means that you are better able to read responses through body language.
“This makes debates easier and, coupled with the ability to share and review data together in real-time, increases productivity.”
Who benefits?
Some industries and public sectors where video conferencing and video calls have already proved their worth include:
- Law enforcement
- Education
- Administration
- Libraries
- Media
- Community and non-profit groups
- The medical profession
By using video calls, so much more can be offered by any industry.
For example, those who work from home are able to quickly and efficiently connect with customers, and it also offers a new opportunity for education.
It’s now not uncommon for teachers to specialise in teaching from home, often teaching those who are all over the world. An excellent way of doing this is by using video communications – putting a face to text or to a voice can really work wonders when it comes to learning.
How to save a life
Elsewhere in the public sector where funds are tight and the need to move with the times is become ever more urgent, video conferencing is being increasingly used in the medical profession too.
Dubbed ‘Telemedicine’, the specialised form of video communication offers an easy, logistical and economical way of contacting patients following discharge from hospital or during home convalescence.
Offering a way for doctors to visually assess patients without the need of transport, Telemedicine can also tell doctors more detailed aspects of health such as heart rate and oxygen levels.
Given how quickly technology advances, it’s no surprise that certain professions such as this are tailoring an already established service to their respective needs. Who knows what the future holds for video conferencing?
image source: fotolia
