The video call revolution has transformed communication in many ways, but unwanted background noise can quickly turn your professional video presentation into a disaster. Whether it's barking dogs, whirring fans, or the rumble of construction work outside, ambient noise can drown out your voice, shatter focus, and leave a lasting unprofessional impression not to mention how it impacts productivity.

But with all the landmines of noise that lurks around every corner, there is hope for a more serene, peaceful and productive video call. We all want to be heard, and we all want a productive video call but without the distraction of surrounding room noise.

This blog post will help you to navigate your way through the jungle of noise and help to empower you to conquer noise with confidence. We'll explore a range of tools and techniques, all optimized for crystal-clear communication and a clear video call experience.

Why Noise Matters on Video Calls

Research reveals the chilling impact of noise on communication. One study by Stanford University found that background noise reduces comprehension by 20%, and even moderate levels can make you appear less competent and trustworthy. In the realm of video calls, where every nuance counts, unwanted noise isn't just annoying – it's a productivity and professionalism crusher.

• Comprehension Crumbles: Your carefully crafted messages can crumble under the relentless assault of noise. Studies show background noise can reduce comprehension by up to 20%, leaving your audience lost in a fog of missed words and muffled meanings. When your message is important, the last thing you need is for your audience to not get it.
• Focus Flees: Attention, the precious fuel of productivity, evaporates in the face of distractions. Our minds can easily wander, leaving crucial details and key points abandoned on the call. Distractions add to the probability of fleeing focus, so it makes sense to keep noise to a minimum.
• Professionalism Plummets: The clanging of dishes or the insistent sounds of traffic paints an unprofessional picture, suggesting a lack of preparation or consideration for your audience. In a world where first impressions matter, unwanted noise can leave a lasting dent in your credibility and confidence. And if noise is a constant companion on your video calls, your image will suffer.
• Stress Spirals: The fight-or-flight response, a protective mechanism designed for dangerous situations, can be triggered by unexpected noise. This physiological reaction leads to increased heart rate, tension, and anxiety, making it difficult to think clearly, communicate effectively, and maintain composure.
• Anxiety Meds Rise: As far fetched as that may sound, there was a study conducted in Europe that revealed elevated levels of noise in the workplace resulted in a rise in the use of anxiety medication.
• Communication Mishaps: Misunderstandings can flourish. Muffled words, misinterpreted phrases, and missed nuances can lead to frustrating back-and-forths, hindering collaboration and fostering communication breakdowns. And when you’re wanting to be productive, and accomplish goals, clear communication is one of the most important things to help make that happen.

And if all that weren’t enough, there’s now an identified medical condition to noise, called Misophonia where they estimate 1 in 5 individuals will have this. In short, it’s a condition where people have a reaction to noise. Noise can be simple things like the sound of a clicking pen, tapping of fingers, clicking of a keyboard, people eating etc.  The person can react to these, and other noises passively, or aggressively or they might just remove themselves from the environment. To read more about this condition, here’s an article from the Cleveland Clinic. 

Needless to say, noise can be a problem from many perspectives, and one thing is for sure, noise needs to be controlled, because if you leave noise unchecked, there is a price to pay.

Noise Cancellation Solutions that can make the difference 

Thankfully, you're not at the mercy of noise, because there are several tools and techniques can help you reclaim the audio stage and ensure your voice is front and center.

• Hardware Solutions:
  • Headsets with integrated noise cancellation: Invest in a good quality headset with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. These headphones use microphones to analyze and filter out ambient noise, creating a quieter soundscape for your calls.
  • External microphones: Consider a directional microphone that focuses on your voice and minimizes background noise.
• Software Solutions:
  • Video conferencing platforms with noise cancellation: Many platforms like Zoom and Google Meet now offer built-in noise suppression features. Experiment with these settings to find the level of noise reduction that works best for you. And if you're unaware of how to access these settings, and a Google search doesn't provide you with the answer, don't hesitate to contact a tech savy friend to give you a hand.
  • Dedicated noise cancellation apps: Apps like neep AI based software analyze and remove background noise from your microphone input, providing real-time audio filtering. Not only does neep remove noise from your environment, but it also removes noise from your callers. And it sharpens your voice, and separates it from the voices of others which means your callers will be focused on you, and not the sounds of those having a conversation in your background. neep is an amazing app that takes care of the noise no matter what audio device you’re using. That means no expensive hardware to buy to take advantage of neep’s incredible noise eliminating capabilities. You can try neep for free too. Once you use it, and see now good it really is, I guarantee you’ll be sold on its value.
• DIY Techniques:

• Find a quiet space: Minimize ambient noise by choosing a quiet room for your calls. Close windows, switch off fans, and politely request family members or officemates to be mindful of your call time. If your call is being conducted using a laptop, then you stand a better chance of relocating to more favorable locations. Get mobile, and find the space that works best for you.
• Mute when not speaking: Develop the habit of muting your microphone when not actively participating in the conversation. This prevents extraneous noises like coughing or sniffles from disrupting the flow of the call. And though this may be a pain in the beginning, it can become a process that’s second nature once you establish this as a routine.

Other things you can do

Remember, noise cancellation is not just about technology; it's about creating a mindful environment for communication. Here are some bonus tips to help you conduct a flawless video call:

• Invest in soundproofing materials: Consider using acoustic foam panels or sound-absorbing curtains to dampen background noise in your designated video call space. This assumes you have a dedicated space available, and you have the budget to acquire these materials.
• Record and evaluate: Record a test call to assess the remaining noise levels and fine-tune your noise cancellation settings or choose the most effective solution for your environment. It’s never a bad idea to do a trial run and adjust where needed. 
• Communicate with your participants: Briefly mention your efforts to minimize noise before the call, setting expectations and demonstrating professionalism. It’s also worthwhile to ask for their input as to your sound quality, and noise level because at the end of the day, it’s their perception that matters.

The Final Note

Embrace the world of noise cancellation and elevate your video call experience to new heights. You don’t have to be at the mercy of noise – become the master of your communication environment, so that your voice resonates with clarity and confidence.

 Invest in the right tools, adopt strategic techniques, and create a quiet haven for your calls. By silencing the distractions, you amplify your professionalism, leaving a lasting impression of focus, competence, and control.

Remember, conquering noise isn't just about comfort; it's about crafting communication that inspires, encourages collaboration, and fuels success. So silence the static, and have video calls worthy of gold medal recognition. 

Have questions, or need some help?

If you have questions, or need some help, don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’ve been assisting customers since 1994, and I know we can help you too. Our Advisors can help tailor a personalized technology solution that’s right for your situation. Don’t feel like you have to comb through the internet to get the answers you need, because we’re as close as a call or mouse click away.