Keep your background simple: If you do not have a designated office space and are using a bedroom or kitchen table as your temporary desk, make sure you have your back to a wall. Watch out for windows that may cause a glare and shadow your camera appearance. If you have an office, make your background a bookshelf or credenza. Don’t worry about photos, or things on the wall as long as it’s not a distracting poster. Photos and memorabilia brings human connection, but make sure things are not too inappropriate. So check out your space and do a test run by turning on your photo booth app to see yourself or FaceTime your friend before you hop on the call.
Lighting is Everything: Getting the right lighting can be everything when you are online. As I mentioned before be careful with windows, turn on overhead lighting and lamps, the lighter the better. No one likes to see shadows of people or dark rooms. If possible, try to get some natural light in the room but if you don’t have that, try to center a soft light directly behind the camera. If you are on Zoom, they have a pretty filter located at the bottom that will give you a nice appearance.
Dress for the Occasion: Confidence is key when you are on camera, therefore find something that makes you feel powerful and comfortable. Leave the tank tops, neon colors, wrinkled shirts and anything sheer in the closet. Also ditch anything that fits too tight, too loose, too big or too small. Find your favorite most comfortable outfit and keep it simple. Keep your audience in mind when you are choosing what to wear. I do, however, think that most people these days will be very forgiving given these circumstances. But spend a few minutes thinking about what would be appropriate to wear and you will feel so much better during the meeting.
Test Run the Technology: Make sure your internet connections are all in working order before you hop on the call. No one likes dropped calls or patchy internet connections. Frozen screens can be very distracting so ensure you are in the best possible place in your home for this video conference. Check your routers and connections. If possible do a test run on another call using the same software.
No Distractions: To ensure that there are no distractions on your call, prepare the whole house for this meeting. Let everyone know that you will be absent for the hour, feed the dog, get everyone where they need to be and occupied. Turn off all notifications on your computer, your phone, and iPads. Place a note on the front door for any deliveries if you are expecting a package or delivery.
Doing a few of these things will ensure that you will have a good experience in your virtual meeting. Before your meeting, get some water, strike a powerful pose aka Super Hero pose with fists on your hips, visit the bathroom, check off the list above and greet your co-worker, boss or friends with confidence!
