So it’s clear that there are lots of reasons why companies are switching to live video chat. And that means there are just as many reasons for you to get good at it. You already have many of the skills needed. Here are some more that will help you stand out as a star performer.

If you are doing live chat support from home, you need to prepare your environment before starting to take calls. 

Close that window if you're on a noisy street and flip on a light. Using a desk lamp with a shade should work, as long as you can avoid harsh, direct light.

PCMag's lead camera analyst, Jim Fisher, stresses that “Soft fill on your face is all that matters. If you’ve got big windows, face the windows so they light you up. Otherwise, the camera is going to struggle with exposure.”  

One of the downsides of video chats is the pixelated screens and choppy audio that can occur. To reduce the risk of this happening, close down any other devices that may be using up your Internet bandwidth. 

If your kids are streaming Disney in the other room or hefty software programs are running on your iPad, all that activity could disrupt your video call at just the wrong time.

When starting your day, don’t leave it until the last minute to log in. If you do, you will be sure to find that you have to install an update to your video software before proceeding. As a result, you may end up stuck for half an hour, waiting for the process to complete.

That means you will be late for work, and blaming your computer won’t help. So log in early and ensure that everything is working correctly. 

Wi-Fi may be very convenient, but it’s not as reliable as an Ethernet connection. When you have a cable connecting you directly to the Internet, you will get the fastest speeds and the lowest risk of problems. 

If your laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port, pick up a cheap USB to Ethernet or Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

If you use your computer’s built-in microphone and speakers, you might accidentally create a feedback loop. That’s a loud shrieking sound caused by the sound loop getting out of control.

To avoid this, use a headset. As well as eliminating the feedback problem, this will ensure that your voice can be heard clearly, too (through the headset microphone). 

You can use a Bluetooth headset, but you may find that the connection is unreliable. A headset with a cable connection will prove to be a safer bet in most instances. 

Video calls drain battery power fast. So check that your laptop is plugged into the mains. You don’t want to run out of power halfway through a call. That can easily result in an irate customer who leaves negative feedback on your performance.

But to be on the safe side, you should have a fully charged battery, too. You never know when a power cut may strike. You need to have enough battery power to keep you going for a few hours if that happens. 

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. That could mean switching to using your phone or having a spare laptop available.

Try to anticipate any problems that arise, and have a plan for dealing with them. That way, you will never be taken by surprise when an issue comes up.