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Ensure a reliable connection to the internet - avoid wireless if possible
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Close all other applications to help running speed and minimise picture freeze
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Eliminate background noise from traffic,air conditioning or busy open plan areas
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Use a carpeted room with furniture. Empty rooms with tiled floors produce an echoey effect, making the voice sound cold and unwelcome
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Eliminate bright lights behind you. Ensure your face is illuminated artificially or by natural light (by rotating your position to catch light from the window)
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Place books or supports under laptops so that camera lens is at eye level
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Look at the camera lens not the person on the screen. One interviewer taped a photograph of the interviewee over the lens with a small hole cut in the middle to help him focus his gaze!
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Place laptop at arm’s length so the interviewee sees your head and most of body. If too close, your face fills the screen
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Talk slightly slower than normal using pauses for mental catch-up
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Consider using recording software (with the interviewee's permission) to capture evidence. For example, Skype recommends Super TinTin (free trial then about £20)
