Tired of video calls? This device will let you talk in real time to a life-sized hologram of another person

Location, location, location, oh and your outfit too. It’s a visual media, so ensuring that you are presentable and that your surroundings are uncluttered is important. Dress in a shirt or smart T-shirt for meetings (yes, pants are mandatory) and make sure you’re groomed.

As far as your background goes, choose an organised corner with a few elements as too much can be distracting for your fellow call members. You can also opt for a plain wall or choose a ready-made background from the calling app.

And actions too if necessary. With many meetings running into large numbers, it helps to have a set of guidelines to follow. The trouble of many people speaking at the same time is that they speak on top of each other and everyone comes away with nothing.

So, choose actions (such as holding your hand up) if you want to raise a point, for when you’re done speaking, taking a break and so on. Picking a member of the team to moderate the conversation can also help streamline the process.

There’s no bigger waste of time than having to wait for one person to set up their system before the group meeting can begin. It’s basic etiquette to have respect for people’s time and yes, while technical glitches can take place on the spot, try to get your camera and mic in order before the call. Don’t treat a work call as a test run.

When it comes to group meetings, especially large ones, be concise when you speak. Every minute counts. Make notes about what points you want to make before the meeting takes place.

Don’t ramble to make the point and try to be as clear as possible — addressing the people you need to so that they know they have to pay attention. It’s hard to hold people’s attention for too long on a video chat, so being clear encourages efficiency.

Whether your pet walks into the frame during an important meeting, your child interrupts you with a question or if you simply have to excuse yourself to answer the doorbell — don’t sweat the small stuff. These bloopers can even break the monotony of a long call and provide some comic relief.