How To Start Streaming Games Today

It’s never too late to jump on the streaming bandwagon, but to do so you’ll need a few basic things. This can include a webcam coupled with a microphone, a reliable internet connection, streaming software, and a PC to run it on. Let’s look through the options available so that you’re clued up on how to stream games quickly and without any fuss.

Do you need a webcam to stream games?

While you can stream games to Twitch without a webcam, putting a face to your name can boost your brand as a streamer. So you may want a quality webcam to help you achieve that. Logitech is perhaps one of the biggest names in the business, and both their StreamCam and C922 HD Pro models offer excellent picture quality even in low light.

You may not even need to buy a webcam if you already have an existing digital camera. Many manufacturers including Canon and Panasonic have made it possible to use DSLRs as webcams, which will give your streams a polished look. You could of course also use your mobile phone as a webcam. XSplit Connect: Webcam is a handy tool that lets you do this. All you need to do is download the XSplit Connect Mobile App, XSplit VCam for your PC, and you’re good to go in seconds.

The other alternative is that you don’t actually need a webcam at all. There are plenty of streamers that connect with their audiences without showing their face. Lately, using a virtual avatar in place of your face is also becoming increasingly popular.

An image of a Logitech StreamCam sat on top of a PC monitor which we recommend as an option for how to stream games.
Photo by Emiliano Cicero on Unsplash

The importance of sound

Regardless of what type of camera you use, your audience will want to hear your commentary as they follow your gameplay on screen. Often players will utilize the mic built into their gaming headsets. These are mostly designed for the chat within the game itself. For streaming, it’s preferable that you use a separate mic that offers higher sound quality. A headset is more likely to muffle your voice you don’t want viewers to be put off by bad audio and background noise!

USB microphones have risen in popularity largely due to podcasting, but these can also be used for streaming. The Blue Yeti X is one of the most widely used. If you’re keen to give your stream a bit more dazzle, check out the HyperX Quadcast S that comes complete with built-in lighting.

PC specs and internet speeds

If you’re planning to stream games to places like Twitch, the first thing you should do is check out some hardware recommendations. Ideally, you’ll need a processor that can run at least 3.4Ghz with 8GB of RAM.

For streaming, a hard-wired internet connection is highly recommended. Also, finding a service provider that offers 7 to 11 Mbps upload speeds for consistent 720p streaming at 60fps. This will probably be one of the premium options and can depend on your location and supplier rather than your hardware.

A person using a gaming keyboard and mouse that have RGB lights learning how to stream games.
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Which streaming software to use

You’ll be surprised to learn, we recommend XSplit Broadcaster! You can use it for free and it comes with stream integration for Twitch, as well as other streaming services like YouTube and Facebook. It has a Chroma key feature to remove backgrounds, scene transitions and even allows for source and extension plug-ins. This means that you can customize your steams and style them around your personality, gaming preference, or brand.

You can opt for the premium version that not only removes the watermarks that are embedded in the free version but opens up the possibilities of simultaneous broadcast, stream delay, and more audio options.

Streaming on PC VS Streaming on consoles

What if you want to learn how to stream games from a console instead of straight from a PC? There are a couple of options. The last-gen and current-gen consoles are able to stream natively from the console. However, with the PS4 or PS5, a standard webcam will not work. This means buying the official Sony camera, which can be expensive for a single-use camera.

Alternatively, you can run the stream from a console through your PC using a capture card. Elgato has upgraded its HD60 S with the HD 60S+ to support the more recent consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X and Series X.

With these essentials, you should be able to stream games to Twitch in no time. Not only that, but this setup can be used to stream other content beyond video games, such as tabletop games, music, and even podcasts. Check out Things to stream: More Than Just Gaming to expand your streaming horizons.

The Best Capture Cards of 2022 for All Content Creators

If you’re looking to upgrade your streaming setup to a more professional camera or to bring console gameplay into your stream this year, you’re going to need a capture card. But with new products and technology upgrades hitting the market each year, choosing the right card can be tricky. Fortunately, in this blog, we’ve got our expert breakdown of the best capture cards of 2022 for a variety of streaming needs.

The best external capture cards for console gamers

A name you’re going to see show up a lot on this list is Elgato – and for good reason. They’ve been making cards since 1992 and are considered the top brand by most streamers. Their current model aimed to console streamers is the HD60 S, widely hailed as one of the most reliable 1080p 60fps (frames per second) game capture cards on the market.

Another card to check out for console streaming is AVerMedia’s Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS. This is an excellent card with an easy setup and some interesting features, including an audio jack to capture console party chat directly from the game itself. It also tends to price out lower than the HD60 S.

A Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing is being displayed, you would need the best capture cards to stream this game.
Photo by Branden Skeli on Unsplash

The best external capture cards for cameras

Elgato also makes a dongle-sized capture device called the Cam Link 4K. Cheaper than their HD60 S, it lacks the HDCP decryption chip required to pass through but can pass a camera signal at resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps (frames per second). The Cam Link uses the UVC or Universal Video Class driver, meaning that cameras plugged into the device will be compatible with nearly every app, allowing for stress-free integration into any streamer’s setup.

Also of note in this category is Blackmagic Design, a company that has for years created professional-grade studio equipment and cameras. Recently they’ve channeled that knowledge into a pocket-sized combination HDMI and SDI capture device, the Ultrastudio Recorder 3G. Combining impressive capture quality with a competitive price, this card should be on every streamer’s list to consider. But be aware that to get the most out of this device, you’ll need to have a USB-C input on your computer.

A person sat in front of a pc with headphones on and a microphone on a boom arm, they are smiling as they are streaming using the best capture cards.
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Why not both?

Many content creators will need to add both a camera input and gameplay capture as they level up their live streams. For those who do, we recommend checking out the first internal card on our list, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo. Combining two inputs with 1080p60 capture capability on a single PCI Express card, the Live Gamer Duo provides a reliable way to bring both the stream’s talent and gameplay together in full HD, all while providing 4K60 fps pass-through to your monitor. This means that even while streaming at a lower resolution, you’re still enjoying the game on your own monitor at max settings.

The best 4K capture cards

While you’re probably not currently streaming in 4K, you might want to be ready to flip that switch when the time comes. To do that, you’ll need a card that can not just display but actually capture your gameplay at the highest possible resolution.

Also from Elgato is the second internal card on our list, the 4K60 Pro. Taking full advantage of the blazing speed of an onboard PCIe slot, the 4K60 Pro provides steady reliability and incredible capture quality with almost no latency, even with HDR (high dynamic range) video at the highest resolutions. Because of the speed and processing power advantages, we highly recommend going with an internal card for 4K capture.

But if internal cards aren’t a fit for your setup? Meet the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+, an external card that can capture at resolutions up to 4K at 60 fps, and also supports HDR video. This card is about as future-proof as you can get at the moment and supports onboard recording to an SD card. It can be a little tricky to set up, however.

You don’t need to add physical inputs to get more cameras on your stream. XSplit Connect: Webcam lets you wirelessly integrate your phone’s camera within any software like XSplit Broadcaster – an inexpensive option to increase production value. Now your capture card is sorted, find your next upgrade in our guide to the top streaming upgrades.

XSplit Broadcaster 4.3 Launches with New Features

XSplit Broadcaster 4.3 is available to download now and it comes with some big updates to how you can get started and run your content!

Here are some of the key features in this update!

  • A new layout wizard
  • An overhauled sources menu
  • Customizable lower thirds
  • A new customizable background source

We have completely overhauled setting up your first stream in XSplit Broadcaster 4.3, making it easier than ever to open the program and get streaming! You can now easily add your camera, a source, and a background in moments!

We’ve also updated the sources menu, meaning you can find everything you need even faster. We’ve also added the ability to easily add lower thirds with templates that you can customize with just a few clicks!

The new background source comes with some images you can use, or you can add your own. Using a background source now means you never have to worry about any other sources going behind your background!

XSplit Broadcaster 4.3 also has a number of bug fixes and improvements to current features.

This will be a big year for XSplit Broadcaster as our team works on improvements to the program! We can’t wait to keep developing and refining along with our community so we are always looking for your feedback! Reach out to us on our community forum, our Discord, or on social media!

Why Email When You Could Send Video Messages for Work?

There are lots of good reasons to communicate via email – it’s a great tool when you need to quickly and easily share information like your point of view, a case study, or whitepaper. However, there are times when the written word doesn’t quite feel like enough and you might prefer to show the recipient what you’re trying to communicate. With XSplit Capture, it’s easy to send video messages for work with screen capture, or a bit more.

Why would I send video messages for work?

If you’re trying to tell someone how to perform a process, make them aware of a bug in a piece of software, or show off the latest design of your website, it can be easier to present a visual rather than send an email. Not only does it save time but also makes it easier to demonstrate the relative point – so, why not make a recording of your screen while you run through the steps on your own computer? This will make what you’re doing obvious to the viewer, as well as allow them to see exactly what the process involves. It will also make it much easier for them to retrace your steps if they need to. 

Recording a video doesn’t have to be a slow process either – you can record in the same time that it takes you to run through whatever you’re showing, and the recipient can watch it just as quickly, or slow it down if they need to catch the details. It can also be much easier to explain something out loud than in a text format, especially when you need to point at things for emphasis.

A person sat at a desk in a cafe using a laptop sending a video message for work with a mug next to them and books on the desk.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

How would I make this video?

XSplit Capture makes recording your screen easy. Simply select the area of your screen that you want to record, then carry on using the computer as normal. Once you’ve finished your recording, you can add any additional notes, or annotations, to cover anything you missed, then use the link provided in the software to share your video with your colleagues. There’s no need to worry about hosting or sending large files as the software will handle that for you seamlessly, automatically saving your videos to the cloud. 

If you want to make something a bit more complex, you can use the videos from XSplit Capture as the starting point for something more in-depth. This could involve joining multiple videos together, or even using them as part of a presentation. All of your captures, screenshots, and recordings are easy to access from your XSplit account so retrieving them is a quick and straightforward process. 

With XSplit Capture, it’s just as easy to attach a screen capture to your message as it is to send a text or a voice clip, so why wouldn’t you share that extra level of information? You could even give your clip a quick edit before sending it to make sure you’re completely happy with what you show in editing software. But the ease of doing everything quickly and in one take is what Capture is all about!

The Best Digital Calendar Apps to Manage Workflow

If you’re like most people, you probably rely on a calendar of some kind to tell you what’s happening in your life and when so you don’t miss anything. These days, there are a number of different types of digital calendars to choose from – everything from daily planners to project-related apps. But the very best calendar software can go beyond this to help you to improve your organization and productivity.

Best calendar apps for time management

While some people prefer to stick to paper, digital calendars offer a wide array of benefits. The best calendar app can vary with your needs, however. For example, Calendar is an intelligent app that learns your contacts, schedule, and tasks and can even provide analytics of your meetings to help you improve your time management skills. 

Business Calendar, as the name suggests, is geared more towards those who use their calendar for work. It allows you to set a multi-day viewing mode, as well as offering hourly scheduling and the option to show a detailed agenda for single events. You can also use it to import from and export to other calendars.

Timepage is an intuitive calendar app that, in addition to the usual scheduling function, will send you notifications and reminders for what’s coming up next. It also features a “heat map” that indicates the days where you are most and least busy, allowing you to tell at a quick glance when might be a good day to schedule a new task.

A laptop is connected to a monitor with a glass on a desk using a metal straw say next to a phone looking for the best calendar app.
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Use your calendar efficiently

A digital calendar can help you to keep track of events, but what about rethinking how you allocate your time in the first place? Are your entries evenly scattered throughout the whole week, or do you have them all set up in order? Arranging tasks or events efficiently can save you a lot of time and improve your focus. There are a number of approaches to this you could take.

Time blocking is a simple method where you divide your day into different activities and assign blocks of time to each task, perhaps by using color-coding to help you tell at a glance what you need to be working on.

In the Pomodoro technique, you break up tasks into 25- or 30-minute blocks. When you start a task, you set a timer for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, you take a five-minute break and then go on to the next block. After completing four blocks, you take a longer break to recharge – perhaps going for a walk, reading a chapter of a book, etc.

Following the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, means focusing more of your time and energy on the most important tasks. The name 80/20 is a nod to the Pareto philosophy that 20 percent of your work input actually yields 80 percent of the results.

A notebook being written in on a desk with an iPad, some small photos, a cup of coffee, glasses, some books and a laptop there as well, the best calendar app would help.
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Guidelines for everyday strategies

As well as high-level strategies, there are some everyday tactics you can use to manage your calendar effectively. For example, make sure you don’t overfill your calendar – leave some free space in case something comes up, or in case you need a break. Another simple tip is to use only one calendar, but make sure that it integrates with other planning tools so that everything you need is in one place.

You can also use filters, such as categories, symbols, or color-coding to allow you to distinguish more easily between different types of tasks. When you create contacts, meetings, or to-do lists, attach them to your digital calendar so you can quickly refer to them when you need to. Finally, don’t forget to review your calendar frequently – clear outdated tasks, make sure events don’t overlap, and set realistic goals.

Managing your time well is a key to improving your workflow. Digital calendars are valuable tools that can help you with many aspects of time management. Whether you are staying old school with pen and paper or using a digital calendar, it pays to figure out the system that works for you.

Twitch Output Update for XSplit Broadcaster

As some of you may be aware, Twitch is having a phased shutdown of its old v5 API, as detailed here. A result of this was difficulty connecting to Twitch for any streaming software, XSplit Broadcaster included. We have taken steps to update our Twitch plugin which should be in effect now.

When you first open XSplit Broadcaster you will be prompted to update your Twitch plugin, once you have completed this everything should be applied and run as normal. Any older versions of the plugin will not be able to connect and you will need to use the workaround solution of a custom RTMP connection. However, once you have followed the steps in the update prompt you shouldn’t need to do this.

There will be some ongoing issues due to this change which we’ll be updating and issuing fixes as soon as possible.

  • Sources that use Twitch such as the chat plugin or alerts plugin may experience issues.
  • Some in-game HUD and Game Bar functionalities may also be affected.

Both of these issues should be resolved in the coming days via an additional application update.

If you still experience login issues after the Twitch output plugin has updated, please uncheck the “confirm ingest server” setting in the stream channel settings in XSplit Broadcaster and try again.

If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to drop a message to our customer support team who are available 24/7.

How to Balance the Hybrid Office Workflow

The hybrid office is becoming more widespread than ever. With many workplaces now adopting a hybrid model, there are big questions for employees. Let’s discuss how to best manage time in order to make the most of working in both the home and the office and find a hybrid office balance.

Find a hybrid office balance with time management

One key to achieving a hybrid office balance is to think about when you really need to be in the office versus when it might be better to work from home. Of course, this will depend a lot on individual schedules and positions. But there are some guidelines you can use.

For example, you might group together all of your weekly tasks that require concentration. Then do these tasks in whichever environment is quieter and more productive for you. If possible, it can also be effective to group all of your meetings together on one or two days of the week. Then come into the office for these “meeting days”. This will give you a chance to connect with colleagues in person.

Some tasks, like training in new processes, onboarding new colleagues, and mentoring may be more effective if done in person. Others, such as writing reports or conducting research, may be easier to do from home. Once you have decided which tasks work better at home and which in the office, you can organize your schedule accordingly.

Four people sat in a conference room with a large screen at the end of it to help with a hybrid office balance.
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Keep it inclusive with digital workflows

One-size-fits-all does not work well for a hybrid company where employees have the flexibility to work when and where they wish. So, many organizations and employees will need to rethink how they connect and engage with colleagues. Digital workflows are a key part of achieving this hybrid office balance.

Digital tools can be used to make many work tasks more inclusive, so both those at home and in the office can participate together on an even footing. The first step here is to use the meeting features on a tool like Zoom or Google Meet. You can use software like Google Docs or Office 365 to enable direct editing on long-distance shared work. Make sure to create a well-organized set of Slack or Teams channels so the team can communicate quickly and clearly from anywhere.

Digital meetings can sometimes feel static and uninteresting. To remedy zoom fatigue, use XSplit Presenter to make them more inclusive and engaging. Add your webcam on top of your presentation so everyone can see you as well as your materials. You can even add live annotations and guests to your presentations! You can also use a work management system, such as Asana or the Servicenow’s Now Platform, to capture key decisions and action items so they are easily accessible from anywhere.

Curated collaboration

Curated collaboration is all about designing your workflows so they suit a hybrid model. The goal is to create a system of working that helps people to collaborate no matter where they are working.

One way to look at this is similar to how a university operates. Everyone has different schedules but shares the same resources, such as classrooms, labs, etc. Groups are brought together in common spaces like lecture halls and cafeterias, and this thinking can be extended to the workplace.

One way to do this is to re-organize both physical and digital space. Physical offices can be transformed to include micro hubs, meeting points, or touchdown areas where those working from home can connect with those in the office. This can also be replicated at home, by setting aside dedicated times and platforms for different types of meetings, such as project meetings, brainstorming sessions, and socializing.

As hybrid workforces take hold, there’s a risk that we’ll all end up working two jobs – one at home and one at the office. To bring these together, it’s necessary to create both physical and digital solutions to ensure that work processes are as inclusive and efficient as possible.

What To Look For In An Affordable Gaming Keyboard In 2022

If you’re streaming games, your choice of keyboard can seem just as important as your PC specs. Keyboards not suited to gaming requirements can cause ghosting where your keystrokes don’t register. This can lead to frustration for players and those watching live streams. There is also a divide in people who like the ASMR qualities of a mechanical keyboard versus those who can’t stand it! However, a decent gaming keyboard doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s have a look at which features you should prioritize when buying an affordable gaming keyboard.

Mechanical switches vs membrane affordable gaming keyboard

A cheap gaming keyboard will likely use keycaps that press down into a thin membrane layer to activate the circuit underneath. This means you can only register one keystroke at a time. On the other hand, mechanical keys have individual switches, which offer better feedback and a distinct click, but also mean you can enter several keystrokes in advance.

For streaming, however, having a noisy mechanical keyboard may not be the best solution. Logitech has solved this issue with the G413, an affordable gaming keyboard that comes with Romer-G switches, or the Corsair K68 with Cherry MX Red Switches (which are considered the quieter ones along with brown, the Cherry MX Silent, and black). Both offer the benefits of mechanical switches while also being quiet to the touch.

Programmable keys and macros

Keyboards that allow you to map certain functions to keys can be a literal game-changer, allowing you to pull off complex commands at the press of a button. Razer has made it easy to program thanks to its Synapse 3 software.

For an affordable gaming keyboard with programmable buttons, check out the Razer Cynosa V2 or its cheaper sibling, the Razer Cynosa Lite. Both allow you to map the functions and macros you need and then save different gaming profiles. This means you can switch between them depending on the game you’re playing. Synapse 3 also allows you to coordinate the color of the keys with the functions you have given them.

An affordable gaming keyboard close up with it's RGB lights on showing multiple colours, you can see a monitor stand in the background and a backlight.
Photo by Mateo on Unsplash

The benefits of backlighting in an affordable gaming keyboard

Keyboards with RGB backlighting not only look very attractive, but they can also be very useful. Even an affordable gaming keyboard, such as the SteelSeries Apex 3 or the Aukey KM-G12, allows for full customization with various lighting zones. This means you can split your keyboard up into sections depending on what game you are playing.

Depending on your streaming setup or if you are doing more video work than streaming games, your audience might be able to see your keyboard, so it adds a bit more style. As an added bonus, it makes them much easier to see if you’re playing in the dark.

Keyboard integration in your stream

Having an affordable keyboard with a backlight is one thing, but having it react to the game you’re playing can take your stream to the next level. Corsair is a premium brand, so the Corsair K60 comes in at the high end of the affordable gaming keyboard spectrum. It comes with per-key backlighting, meaning each key has its own programmable light.

These lights can be used in conjunction with Corsair’s software for key remapping and macro programming. However, the RGB lighting can also be integrated into the game thanks to Corsair’s iCUE technology. This means that the lights will change color to react to the action within the game. Logitech offers a similar software called Lightsync, which is available on the affordable G213 Prodigy keyboard.

There are many affordable gaming keyboards out there with some or all of the features you may prioritize. If you opt for one with RGB lighting, for example, you can make it react to streaming events. This not only makes your streams look more visual and professional but can also help indicate events if you have taken your eye off the action.

Making the Most of Virtual All-Hands Presentations

With meetings going digital, you’re likely to need to organize a virtual all-hands presentation at some point. But what’s the best way to do this? How can you make the most of the available technology? Are there any advantages of virtual over real-world meetings? There are plenty of things to consider and many powerful tools available. So let’s run through these questions!

The advantages of a virtual all-hands meeting

After two years of working from home, we’re all quite used to attending meetings on Zoom or Teams and some of the big advantages are starting to become apparent. If everyone’s joining the meeting from home, it cuts down dramatically on travel time and costs, especially if you have a number of widespread sites. It also means you don’t need to maintain an overly large, rarely used meeting room or shell out for conference space.

Plus, if you’re broadcasting the meeting with XSplit Presenter, you can also record it to allow anyone who was unable to attend to see it afterward. Finally, going virtual allows you to have more control over what your attendees see – whether that’s through video, slides, or other media.

A laptop on a desk with a large virtual all-hands meeting displayed on it with a mug sat next to the laptop.
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

How to make the most of a virtual meeting

If your meeting is going to be virtual, take advantage of the digital format by adding in some media. You could include video clips, animations, or other multimedia to spice things up a bit. Just make sure your slides are interesting and polished since they’ll be front and center. Remember to have your webcam on to give a more personal feel to the meeting, and it’s a good idea to use software like XSplit Presenter to integrate it with the presentation. By having your feed appear over the top of the slides, it will put a human face to content that might otherwise feel overly businesslike or impersonal. The function to annotate in real-time can also be a clear and engaging way of highlighting the main points. 

Since you know that everyone will be watching on a computer, you can also include things like polls, using a third-party website, to allow people to vote on questions or give feedback. Use the chat system to allow people to ask questions and get involved. Adding images to your XSplit Presenter slides will give them a lot more depth as well. Whether you go for subject-relevant photos or humorous cartoons and memes depends on the feel you’re going for with the presentation – or maybe you just want to lighten the mood!

Bring a friend to your virtual all-hands!

Consider having multiple presenters, inviting external guests. Or calling on individual managers to report on their departments in order to break up the meeting and add some variety. If you can add multiple webcam views to your video stream, that can help too. But consider checking that the feeds have a similar feel with regards to lighting and quality – it can look quite strange if one presenter is well lit and clear and another is in pixelated shadow. 

This advice applies to backgrounds as well – virtual backgrounds are fine, but they can look strange and distracting if the lighting is completely different and looks wrong. If you’re superimposing your webcam feed onto your presentation, XSplit Presenter will allow you to use a transparent background so the slide is visible around your head. This also lets you move out of the way if your face covers any of the content!

Virtual meetings have a lot of advantages, especially with the help of today’s technology. They can cure a lot of the logistical problems of trying to bring people together, but it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure that you’re making the most of them.

Six Ways to Improve Your Workplace Communications

No matter how well your office manages workplace communication, there are always improvements that can make things run even more smoothly for everyone. There are many ways to improve communication for a more harmonious workplace and, as is ultimately the aim in management, increase productivity and satisfaction. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do.

Improve workplace communications differently

Some organizations stick to rigid patterns of communication, but this lack of flexibility may not improve workplace communications. Some people prefer remote sessions, while others need the connection of in-person communication. By offering a number of different ways to communicate, you can make sure that all of your colleagues can opt for what best suits them. Of course, too much variety can lead to chaos, so it is best to stick to just three or four methods, choosing just one digital platform and perhaps a weekly team meeting, monthly one-to-ones, etc.

Including time to socialise

Setting aside time to meet colleagues without discussing work can help bring teams closer together and foster better overall communications. This could either be a regularly scheduled event, or something more spontaneous. For remote and hybrid offices, there are a number of apps, such as Mural, that allow you to create virtual water coolers. There are also sites like Gather, which provides free customizable virtual spaces.

Four people sat around a table, one taking notes, the others have coffee and a phone is in front of the person speaking, listening is key to improve workplace communications
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Foster a culture of honesty to improve workplace communications

This does not mean oversharing, but rather being clear and honest about why work is organized a particular way, or why certain tasks need to be done. Lack of information about why a task is important can lead to frustration and negativity. Of course, it’s not always possible to make tasks more meaningful. Sometimes, you will need to admit that something just needs to be done. But this can also demonstrate commitment to meaningful, transparent communication.

Use the right tools for the job

The right tech can also be a big help in communicating clearly. XSplit Capture allows you to record a video or screenshot of your desktop, add annotation or voiceover, and then share it instantly – allowing you to communicate even complex ideas easily and clearly. XSplit Presenter also makes communication easier by giving you scope to greater interactivity to all of your presentations. Use the green screen and your computer camera or the virtual pointer to annotate your demonstration in real-time.

People sat around a desk looking at a presentation being given on a screen which can be key to improve workplace communications
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Provide confidential feedback

Giving and receiving feedback can be a huge help in your work, whether you are a manager or not. It can also help uncover hidden issues that are affecting your work or business. The more information you have, the more you can respond to the needs of employees and colleagues.

You can use a tool like SurveyMonkey to collect employee reactions and comments on a regular basis. XSplit Presenter also makes it easy to incorporate tools like polleverywhere, which allows you to collect instant responses from participants.

Don’t just hear – listen

Listening is probably the most important communication skill. Research suggests that we only remember between 25% and 50% of what we hear. That means many of us are missing vital information.

Improve your listening skills by practicing ‘active listening’. This involves techniques that show the speaker they have your undivided attention. For example, demonstrate that you are listening by keeping your posture and facial expressions open and interested, provide feedback by asking questions and reviewing what has been said, don’t interrupt, and respond honestly and respectfully.

Improving workplace communication does not happen overnight; it takes concerted effort. By using a combination of technology tools and your own initiative, you will be able to create a more open and effective workplace – whether it happens to be remote, in-person, or hybrid.