Over the past 15 years, my average week has involved producing content for multiple clients, interviewing businesses from all parts of the world. A Brazilian fintech one day, a port operator in Turkey the next, then an air conditioning manufacturer in the UAE.

Up until 2019 these interviews followed a similar format: one interviewer, one interviewee, dialling in on a local toll-free number.

That changed in March 2020 with the arrival of COVID and the widescale adoption of video calls. Within weeks all interviews were conducted via video. We got to see offices, spare bedrooms, cubicles and a limited range of virtual backgrounds.

Five years on, we have ring lights, soft focus filters, and bespoke AI-generated backgrounds. It’s unlikely we’ll be going to back to voice calls and toll-free numbers.

The biggest change is not visual, however. It’s numbers.

Pre-COVID, it would be rare for there to be more than four people on an interview. Today, the average is six, and I’ve hosted interviews with 11 people listening in.

In itself, this is no bad thing. Having lots of people attend the interview can remind the customer just how valued their story is. Some of those in attendance may have a specific, insightful question. Others might be actively listening, taking unfiltered user feedback on a particular product feature.

These are all good things. But I have concerns. There is a risk the call becomes chaotic, or the interviewee is intimidated by a screenful of faces staring at them, or the first 20 minutes of the call are spent making introductions (and losing all energy).

Many of us are still figuring out video call etiquette. At the very least, and from personal experience, I would say it is beneficial for the interviewee to know who is in charge. I have some other suggestions.

• If you plan to attend the call, message the host in advance to explain your role. The host can then keep intros to a minimum
• If you have no intention of asking a question, turn off your camera.
• If you do have a question, use the Chat to message the host privately

These are not intended as ‘rules’, only discussion starters. I’d be happy to hear your thoughts. The goal is to deliver a productive and enjoyable interview experience.

Again, no problem with big numbers attending an interview. Invite 50. Sell it as A-listers only. Have the audience ask questions. Make it an event. Gift everyone the AirPods Pro 2 and a Chanel Multi-Use Glow Stick.

But, please, set expectations and retain control.