As days move forward with social distancing, working remotely has now become a necessary norm making us realise that video calling has become a part of our daily routine. Whether it is a Zoom call with colleagues or clients, keeping in touch with family and friends on FaceTime, or even a live interview, video calling is everywhere. This just means that it has become important for us to look good and be organised during these video calls in order to make a good impression. Therefore, the way you present yourself and your home during these calls can make a big difference to a number of things especially in a professional setting.

Here are a few tips that can help you and your home be the topic off camera after your next video call.

Lighting:

For any kind of video call, you need to consider the lighting. No matter where you are going to conduct the video call – in your room, in the park, a café or on your college campus – you need to choose a well-lit place. Just seek out natural light. Face the window with the best light. If not, put as much light in front of you as possible, just diffuse it with a curtain or a cloth. Avoid overhead and back lighting as that will make you appear less lit.

Presentation:

Presentation is another important aspect of your video call. You should choose the right location from where to make the call. Take the call in a clean, neat room or an outdoor area. The person on the other end should see an attractive background behind you. Remember to keep important documents at hand – it’s rude to make the caller wait while you search for them.

Equipment Check:

You should definitely check your equipment before making video calls. If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure the signal at your location is strong, so that video may not appear grainy or the call does not disconnect midway. Loose connections and wires should also be looked at and the lens of the camera should be cleaned.

Camera Angle for Eye Contact:

If you are using a mobile device make sure to keep the camera steady and aligned with your face. The ideal camera angle should be able to capture your face and the upper part of your body and keep it straight.

Maintain a Good Posture:

Try to keep a straight posture during video calls. Get a good, comfortable chair that gives you enough height, so that you can look at the monitor without having to crane your neck or stoop.

Clothes and Makeup:

As in most video calls, only the top half of your body is visible, so try to pay more attention to that part of your body. Wear bright, professional clothing and keep in mind that warm colours look better on camera.

It is very easy to give up the makeup routine when you are working from the comfort of your home. Video calls make for a good excuse to put on that makeup; use it to make a notable impact during your meeting. Makeup, known to be mood booster, will also help you feel confident to face that video call even if you are in your loungewear that no one can see.

Accentuate the features that frame your face like the brows, lashes and lips. Apply a pencil to the eyebrows for more detail and a few extra strokes of mascara to brighten the eyes. Apply a richer colour to your lips as the colour and movement draws attention to you and what you are saying.

Once you have all the above basics figured, you will not have to work hard to impress the person on the other side of the camera and you are set to carry out a meaningful, engaging conversation on video even if you are not physically present there.

Smile, you are on camera!