The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the whole world’s dynamics of life. In order to communicate effectively, there have been many obstacles that had to be challenged. While many business workers are familiar with working remotely, other professionals such as doctors and professors find themselves in an unfamiliar, new situation, so they are having a harder time with virtual communications.
It allows people to stay in touch without needing to be in the same place together. Real-time communication is achieved through audio and video software. Many of these tools have been around us for years, but their use has considerably increased since the appearance of the coronavirus pandemic.
Virtual communication tools
- VOIP PHONE SYSTEM - Voice over Internet Protocol technology allows users to communicate through a broadband connection. This tool is cheaper than traditional landlines so it is perfect either for residential or business use.
- EMAIL - everyone knows by now and has even used this tool. The service allows users to send and receive text messages with attachments across electronic communication networks.
- TEAM CHAT TOOL - with this web-based software, users are capable of sending instant messages, coordinating and managing their efforts on a project or task.
- VIDEO CONFERENCE – it is one of the most valuable and used tools for virtual communication since it allows users to make live meetings of groups of people at the same time.
Challenges of virtual communication
Although this form of communication is very convenient and has helped users to remain in contact since in-person interactions became impossible, it still has its ups and downs.- ABSENCE OF BODY LANGUAGE - body language is a fundamental aspect of communication. Its absence can affect the understanding of the message that is being conveyed. It could cause the message to be misinterpreted.
- DIFFERENT TIME ZONES - this is a very common burden when it comes to virtual communication. Users from a company or even classmates can be located in different time zones, hindering the communication process.
- DISTRACTIONS - being at home is too easy to be distracted by little things. A study or work session may be interrupted by a short 10-minute break that may escalate to a two-hour nap.
- UNSTABLE INTERNET CONNECTION - not everyone at home has a powerful and stable internet connection with enough bandwidth. An erratic broadband network makes ideal communication very difficult.
How to improve virtual communications
It is important to remember that everyone is doing their best to adapt to this difficult situation and to try at the same to time be productive. So being tolerant and empathic is a must and a good way to improve remote communications. However, there are some additional tips that can boost the correct development of virtual communication:- DEFINE CHANNELS FOR EACH TYPE OF COMMUNICATION - use the adequate tool to communicate. As we have seen, there are many and great channels to do it. For that reason, it is important to choose the correct and appropriate avenue that better suits the needs. For example, it is better to have long and deep conversations through video conferences than using an instant messaging tool.
- PREPARE A PHYSICAL SPACE - finding an adequate space at home is very important. It must be a place that limits distractions and fits necessities while making users feel comfortable since they will spend long periods there.
- BE AWARE OF TIME-ZONE DIFFERENCE - users can be in different time zones, so it is fundamental to take the proper actions to assure everybody can be connected at the same time but without representing a hindrance to their life rhythms.
- MAKE VIDEO CONFERENCES - being isolated might affect people. Using video conferences with certain regularity instead of phone calls, can be highly effective to counteract isolation. By doing this, users can see other colleagues or classmates and feel less alone than they previously did and at the same time, they are to perceive the body language from the person with whom they are talking to.
- USE ADEQUATE DEVICES - it is important to have appropriate devices to allow an optimal communication. Verify that cameras, microphones and computers are in excellent condition to guarantee a successful communication process.
- GET QUALITY TIME - working or studying virtually can be overwhelming and exhausting. Only focusing on these activities can quickly cause a burnout. It is very important to make frequent breaks, to take it easy and perform activities that help relieve stress. Users must make mental and emotional self-checks with regularity.
Validate accounts with Non VoIP numbers
Non VoIP numbers also help users to improve their virtual communication experience. Non VoIP virtual numbers users are able to use them no matter where they may be, since these numbers are not associated with a real physical address.The Epsilon Technology LTD company operates one of the best U.S. Non VoIP services on the market: VerifyWithSMS - a provider that offers its users SMS numbers to validate their accounts on platforms such as Skype, Google Voice, Gmail, Microsoft, Whatsapp and much more.
VerifyWithSMS is the perfect option for those looking for U.S. real phones at the best price on the market. It seems hardly credible that such a good quality service can be so inexpensive. Many users have reported that they feel completely safe using this provider, since its customer service is one of the most efficient of the market.
Without a doubt this service is simple, fast and reliable. Verify how many accounts are necessary and start getting the best out of virtual communications. Sign up now!