For the next few weeks (or maybe longer!), many of us are going to find ourselves substituting “Zooming” for face-to-face interactions. Here are a few video conferencing tips that will help you look more professional.
1. If you’re using a laptop, cell phone or tablet, try to keep the device steady. Prop it up on something or use a stand.
2. Use lots of light. Try to eliminate shadows on your face. Don’t be in front of a window or have a light source behind you, or you will just be a silhouette.
3. Know where your camera is and try to look at it when you talk. That way, it will appear to your audience like you are looking at them, not down or to the side.
4. The camera lens or webcam should be at eye level. You don’t want to be looking down or up at the other participants.
The worst combination is having the webcam on your desk, you are looming above, and you’re looking at your computer screen, which is at eye level. No one wants to be looking up your nose!
5. Try to eliminate any loud background noise.
6. Be aware of things in the shot and in the background. Otherwise, you might end up with elements that are unprofessional or, even worse, embarrassing. (If your desk is in your bedroom, make your bed! Yes, I’ve seen it.)
7. Video conferencing offers us a unique opportunity to share videos, photos, and other information from our digital world. Think about how you can take advantage of it.
The coming weeks are going to present some unique challenges, but also some interesting opportunities.
“It’s often said that life is strange, but compared to what?” – Steve Forbert
Dave Waldman is a video storyteller and owner of Treasured Memories Video and B2B Video Solutions in Bedford, New Hampshire. He can be reached at (603) 566-3075 or [email protected]. His website is davidwaldman.com.
No wonder that you are the pro. This very down to earth, logical advice will be extra important to those who never were involved with video conferencing before.
Thanks! Glad you found it useful.
Thank you! Do you mind if I repost this. I will credit you of course.
Not at all! I’m flattered, and I’m glad you found it useful.
If you noticed today on the BNI Roundtable, I HAD made my bed in the background. I thought about that, although I make my bed everyday out of habit because US Navy Admiral, William H. McRaven told me it was a good idea – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs
I did notice. 🙂