Communicating With IM Technology

By Brenna Kimber

Video chat software and its features definitely have great uses that can enhance your online experiences and your relationships. You can also unleash your creative powers with the communication capabilities the software offers. Below you will find a short description of each feature and its possible uses.

Video Chat – Video chat utilizes your computer, the Internet and a webcam so you can see and hear the person you are talking to online. Not only that, but you can see whatever that person lets you see. Perhaps your friend is traveling to France with her laptop and webcam. You could see the Eiffel Tower at the same time she does. A colleague of mine used her webcam to help her daughter with her homework while she was away. Her daughter used the webcam to show her mother her homework problems and they were able to work on them together. Perhaps you have to be away on an extensive business trip. Wouldn't it be great to see your family's faces everyday using video chat?

Engenderhealth, a non-profit organization has headquarters in New York, but employee field workers are scattered throughout South America and Africa. This company adds a human touch to their communication by using video chat technology. It's much less expensive than some types of video conferencing and offers portability for everyone.

The possibilities with video chat are vast and greatly enhance the quality of communicating over long distances. Standard phone calls and emails just don't have the personal touch that video chat offers.

Voice Chat – Save time typing in your instant messages and just say what you're thinking. Voice chat works much like a conference phone call, but instead of crowding around an office speaker phone, you can use your own PC. You can voice chat with several people at once and enjoy great audio quality depending on the software. Hearing someone's voice is always more personal than just reading their email.

Instant Messaging – Instant messaging is like cell phone text messaging with your PC. It's fast, easy and fun. Instant messaging is usually free as well. You just add the contact information for the person you want to talk to, type your message and send. It's perfect for asking a quick question at work or communicating more personally and more quickly than email.

Personalizing your Communication – You can let your personality shine in every form of online communication. Many video chat programs have emoticons, text effects, audibles and other features that let you customize your messages. Emoticons are smiley faces that show different emotions. Some of them are animated and can cry, wink and more. Audibles are graphics with sound bites. They can shout, flirt and welcome.

Pc-to-phone calling – This is a new feature that not all video chat software has. With this feature and sometimes with the help of a designated phone service you can call any phone right from your computer whether it is a cell phone or a land line.

Video Email – Video email is probably one of the most enjoyable features of video chat software. You record a message using a webcam and then send it to an email inbox. Imagine saying happy birthday to your best friend, congratulating your little brother for graduating high school, or leaving a special message for a loved one. Video email is the most personal way to leave a message.

Entertainment – Challenge a buddy from your contact list to a game of backgammon or listen to the radio. Some video chat programs have features that keep you entertained and in touch with your best online buddies. Some programs also have links to entertainment sites built right into the messenger interface. Visit FOX Sports, Match.com and other websites to try it out.

File Sharing – File sharing allows you to put files in a folder that can be accessed by those you designate from your contact list. Casual chatters can share photos, music and more while professionals can use file sharing to share documents. You can connect with your associates and talk about the files while you view them together.

These are just a few of the great features you can use to make your online life more fun and personal. Keep in touch with acquaintances, enhance the communication in your office or just have fun. Check out our video chat software reviews to find a product that has the right features for your needs.

References

Gowan, Michael (2005, August 15). Video Chat: Put a Face to Your Communications. Retrieved July 25, 2006, from techsoup.org Web site: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page2171.cfm

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