I've already been practicing all of these items brought up- but one thing I would like to add- occasionally- and briefly- be funny. Not necessarily tell jokes, but be spontaneous, human in your commentary. This can tend to help students realize that there is a human on the other end of there laptop. Be careful- never berate a student- for humor or otherwise- it could cause more damage than when in a classroom- they may not pick up as easily online that you made a comment in jest about them...
