第1章

Here's what others say about SMART VIDEOCONFERENCING

“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

“Smart Videoconferencing is so full of wit and wisdom, it should be read by every executive whether or not they ever use videoconferencing. Janelle Barlow, Peta Peter, and Lewis Barlow have compiled not only the most intelligent and most readable book on this subject, they've also brought together the most extraordinarily useful set of tips on public appearance etiquette I've ever read. This book may also be one of the funniest business books in recent memory. Many of the stories that accompany each of the authors' dozens of tips are so hilarious they'll make you laugh out loud. And the pronunciation guide at the end of the book is alone worth the price of purchase. I know you'll love this book as much as I did!”

—JIM KOUZES, COAUTHOR, THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE AND

ENCOURAGING THE HEART, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS, TOMPETERS!COMPANY

“With this book the authors have been able to create the perfect guide on how, when, and for what to use videoconferencing. Smart Videoconferencing clearly states all shortcomings people have encountered using any method of conferencing. If I had had this book five years ago, I might have had a positive attitude toward videoconferencing.”

—PAUL SPIERINGS, TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER,

BRITISH TELECOM IGNITE SOLUTIONS, AMSTERDAM

“Unless you've read Smart Videoconferencing, the results of your next videoconference will either be (1) memorable, (2) without impact, or (3) so bad it is now a part of your legacy. This handbook guarantees your results. A ‘must’ read for every executive.”

—THOMAS GRISSEN, COO, MAXIMUS

“A significant contribution to the world of communication. The book is cogent, informed, and very readable. A must for all businesspeople.”

—GRANT D. MELDRUM, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,

THE ZIMMERMAN AGENCY

“This book is a must-read for anyone curious about videoconferencing or seriously planning to do more with it. Application of the concepts here can save you untold problems from mispronouncing words, goofs on screen, and more. It is filled with practical, real-world examples that can help you avoid problems that others, even celebrities, have encountered.”

—TERRY L. BROCK, “TECHNOLOGY TOOLS” AND “CYBERSENSE” COLUMNIST

“Smart Videoconferencing, very enjoyable to read with its amusing anecdotes to illustrate its points, dispels the myths and technical complexity of VC in a user-friendly guide. This book will make a busy executive's life immensely easier and less stressful.”

—NIGEL ROBERTS, GENERAL MANAGER, GREAT EAGLE HOTEL, HONG KONG

“If your company uses videoconferencing or is considering this technology, read this book! Smart Videoconferencing gives executives all the tools they need to look and sound their best in this new medium.”

—KAREN LAM, PRESIDENT, COMPASS INTERNATIONAL

“Smart Videoconferencing takes you step by step through the do's and don'ts of this powerful media. If you want to master videoconferencing, you must read this book.”

—NIALL MURRAY, DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT,

THE VENETIAN RESORT, HOTEL, CASINO

“I didn't realize how much I didn't know about videoconferencing etiquette. I went from clueless to confident in one plane ride!”

—JENNIFER WIMMER, EVENTS COORDINATOR,

PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.

“In the light of how many corporations now want to use VC as a way to not travel and yet discuss business issues proactively, this book will make a significant impact on virtual meetings.”

—LEON ENRIQUEZ, EDITOR, I.T. TIMES, SINGAPORE

“As both a ready reference and a checklist, Smart Videoconferencing will help you gain ‘that competitive edge’ in videoconferencing. This book is one of those ‘must-haves’ in the executive library!”

—IMAD ELIAS, CORPORATE VICE PRESIDENT,

ROTANA HOTELS, SUITES AND RESORTS, DUBAI, UAE

“Through their helpful hints, the authors draw your attention to the many potential pitfalls of videoconferencing. Using this book as a guide, you can get the results you're looking for.”

—JANE DEVRIES, HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR,

JOHN DEERE CREDIT, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA

“A highly practical manual for the ‘hands on’ type of manager. The clever reader can put their best foot forward and create bella figure the next time they hit the airwaves. Particularly useful for international readers is the glossary of commonly mispronounced words in English.”

—RUTH ANN LAKE, PARTNER, FOCUS CONSULTANTS, MILAN, ITALY

“In the years ahead, we'll all spend more time communicating via video. Smart Videoconferencing is a perfect blend of practicality and entertaining stories that illuminate. It's the benchmark guide for this essential business tool of the future.”

—BOB TREADWAY, FUTURIST

“One of the toughest challenges in business communication is to connect with people both emotionally and intellectually. When you can't look into a person's face directly, it is even more of a challenge. You need this extremely important book.”

—PATRICIA FRIPP, AUTHOR AND PRESENTATION COACH

TO AMERICA'S CEOS

“You simply cannot afford to look bad in your virtual meetings, and Smart Videoconferencing will give you all the tools you need to both look and communicate at your best.”

—DANIEL BURRUS, TECHNOTRENDS

“Smart Videoconferencing is a must read for any organization currently using or contemplating using videoconferencing as a mode of communication.”

—KELLY BLASHER, EPHIBIAN EVANGELIST

“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,

FOUNDER, NATIONAL SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

“This is the only reference book leaders will need to make sound business decisions on how and when to use videoconferencing.”

—PATRICIA ZAKIAN TITH, PRESIDENT, GLOBAL WORKPLACE

“This book does an exceptional job of highlighting common video conference disasters, and offers insightful, practical tips for avoiding them. Make this excellent resource your organization's standard.”

—BRUCE SCHEER, PRINCIPAL, FUTURESIGHT CONSULTING, SEATTLE

“Emotional intelligence is the centrepiece of human communication and interpersonal relations, and this innovative book adds a new dimension to these very valuable skills. It is a must-read for those who want to more effectively and professionally get their message across to others.”

—REUVEN BAR-ON, PH.D., MANAGING DIRECTOR,

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY,

CO-EDITOR OF THE HANDBOOK OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

“All work is theatre. Unfortunately, too many workers behave no differently on stage than in their private lives. Smart Videoconferencing literally puts a spotlight on such poor performances. We hope many executives and managers will read this book in an effort to strengthen their remote acts.”

—B. JOSEPH PINE, II AND JAMES H. GILMORE,

AUTHORS, THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY