Coronavirus is keeping us all at home these days.
Even though we’re all enjoying hanging out in our PJs and binge-watching our favorite shows (mine is Survivor), work must continue. One way to keep things “business as usual” is by using video conferencing platforms.
You’ve done your homework, have prepared your materials, you’ve got the pitch, and you’re ready for the meeting. Even if all this is true, you’re going to lose your clients and colleagues to distraction if your space isn’t set up in a professional way.
Here are some tips to look professional on a video conference.
Lighting: Make sure you’re in a well-lit room, facing a window and not with the window behind you to avoid blinding the people who can see you. This same concept applies to light fixtures, make sure you’re facing any lights (even lights from the ceiling) and that there aren’t lights behind you. If you want to be extra, buy a small ring light, it will make you appear bright and clear on-screen without any harsh shadows.
Background: There should be a wall behind you, not open space. An open space can be very distracting to the others on the call (think your spouse is walking into the frame in their underwear). What’s on the wall behind you is completely up to you and can show off your personal style. If you want to hang a picture or wall art, make sure the whole object is in the video frame. A bookshelf is a great option too; just make sure it’s organized and that there is nothing unprofessional visible.
Angle: During video conferences, we want to mimic a real-life conversation as much as possible. This means others in the meeting should see you at the angle that they’d see you in a face to face meeting. Your camera should be at eye level or slightly above eye level. Even if you’re using a phone, prop it up on something to avoid looking down at your phone.
Position: You should be in the dead center and take up about 30-50% of the overall frame. If you’re too far back, the others in the meeting won’t be able to see your face clearly enough. If you’re too close up, your face will take up too much of the frame. Your entire face should be visible and not cut off.
Clothing: Solids are best because stripes and other patterns create what is called a moiré effect and can be very distracting. Neutral colors are best not to be too distracting and to maintain a professional appearance.
You’ve got this!
You are a professional, ready for the next steps (whatever they may be), and now you have some tools to look like one on a video call. Send us a picture of your video conferencing space! We’d love to see it.
About Laura:
Laura is a former airman and elementary school teacher that turned her passion for travel into a business. She lives near Fort Hood, Texas with her spouse and six-year-old son.
