With big, flashy displays, video conferencing is alluring. Audio technology, on the other hand, is often ignored and even neglected. However, you can run a meeting without video, but audio is a necessity. And considering that 30% of employees don’t like being on video, your audio capabilities are critical for hybrid collaboration. Additionally, more than half of video meeting participants don’t speak on calls. So, it makes sense that someone who had to work up the nerve to speak won’t like repeating themselves.
Whether participants are speaking or just listening, it’s important that your audio is clear. Bad audio technology sabotages good communication and productivity. If you suspect your meeting room audio needs updating, here are some tips to get your efforts on the right track.
Start with the Meeting Room Itself
Your meeting room technology should suit the space. If employees are noticing that meetings sound terrible in certain spaces, it’s time to act. A sprawling space will need different solutions than a small room. The materials in the room and the distances between them will also affect audio—from walls and ceilings to floors and furniture. Hard surfaces can cause an echo on calls, so make room adjustments before finalizing new audio solutions. For example, prepare a room with a lot of hard surfaces by adding carpet, drapes, and acoustic panels.
Consider How the Room Is Used
Before you choose new or improved audio solutions, think about what users will be doing in the space. Is the room only big enough for one-on-one calls? Will there be presentations for in-office and remote participants? Will presenters need to walk around the room as they speak? Will participants be seated close together or spread out? Will they be seated conference style, classroom style, or some other way?
Choose the Right Technology for the Room
Once you know how the space will be used, you can start choosing your technology.
Beamforming microphones allow you to focus signals and are often a good choice for hybrid meeting spaces. If you want ceiling microphones, then this is a great option for you.
Other options include wearable microphones for presenters or table microphones for those seated around the table or at a lectern. There are so many microphone options for meeting rooms that it helps to get a professional audiovisual opinion when upgrading your meeting rooms.
Similarly, the ideal loudspeaker for your space will depend on how the room is used. And if your current ceiling speakers sound bad, a professional can help you troubleshoot the problem. Chances are, though, that replacing them with new technology will fix the problem.
Meet Modern Meeting Room Needs
Today’s meeting rooms are significantly different than they were even a decade ago. When done right, they better facilitate communication and collaboration with remote participants. This can include video conferencing, presentation capabilities, and more. Even so, audio technology continues to be at the heart of meetings.
One of the most important features of modern hybrid meeting spaces is that they can deliver meeting equity, meaning everyone has the same opportunities to participate. Make sure you have the best tools to deliver understanding and positive employee experiences.
Want to make sure your hybrid collaborators can hear and be heard? Contact us today.
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