Video conferencing is a popular way for colleagues to speak to one another and for businesses to communicate with clients, customers or other businesses. In many cases, video conferencing has surpassed audio conferencing as the favoured way to conduct conference calls. Principally, this is because human beings prefer to communicate face-to-face. However, this does not mean that audio conferencing is obsolete or unnecessary.

In fact, in some ways, audio conferencing has advantages over its video equivalent. If you are trying to choose between audio conference calling and video conferencing for your business or for personal use, the following information and advice may help you reach a decision.

During video conferencing, there is a very real potential for embarrassment. For example, you may not think the connection is working, but your fellow conference callers can see you. As we all know, people act very differently when they are alone compared with the way they behave in public. With audio conferencing, on the other hand, there is not the same risk of embarrassment.

When participating in an audio conference call, you only need to be concerned with selecting a quiet place for your call. However, with video conferencing, you may be concerned about the mess in your living room, kid’s toys all over the floor or the pet dog in the background.

One of the problems with video conferencing is that participants may be too preoccupied with their own appearance or the appearance of others. For example, if you are running a little late for a video conference call, you are more likely to be concerned with the way you look rather than preparing by reading relevant documents and other information.

It is natural for human beings to make instant judgements based on appearances. Although this is not an attractive feature of human nature, it is a fact nonetheless. If you would like to ensure that clients choose your business based on substance rather than the physical appearance of your employees, then audio conferencing may be the better choice.

When conducted in the correct way, audio conferences can be extremely productive and professional. A video conference, on the other hand, can promote a friendly atmosphere, which is fine, but in turn that may encourage a more laidback, less professional approach to the meeting.

Of course, there are many other factors that you may like to consider when choosing between audio and video conferencing. However, those listed above are some of the most common concerns.