Businesses 'should not limit themselves to just voice communications'

Companies employing VoIP solutions should take advantage of the video opportunities such technology can bring, as it makes communication much more effective, it has been claimed.

Keith Warburton, editor of Vcinsight.com, said that non-verbal cues are crucial to determining a person's mood, as businesses can gauge the feelings of a supplier or other organisation they are keen to secure deals with.

"Rather than ask whether video conferencing is desirable or effective, we should surely be asking why on earth we choose to limit ourselves to voice-only phone conversations when there are much more effective options available," he stated.

Mr Warburton went on to suggest that the most effective salespeople are those who come across as warm and interested, adding that it is no coincidence that these individuals are encouraged to smile even though their faces are not being seen by anyone.

This, he added, shows the importance of non-verbal cues to effective communication.

Mike Eagle, general manager of the Federation of Communication Services, said recently that VoIP solutions offer sophisticated functionality to businesses.