How to look great in virtual meetings: Seven tips from Future Needs

July 16, 2024

Video calls are a crucial component of both personal and business communication in today’s digital era. But, are you confident you look good on camera?

At Future Needs, we are a remote-first company which interacts with others online every day. From virtual meetings with partners to discuss the progress of EU projects we are working on in together to managing virtual interviews for project communication purposes or regular video calls with team members—you name it. Drawing from years of such virtual experience, we are here to share our seven tips to help you look your best during video conversations.

1. Select the Appropriate Site

Natural light is your best friend. Position your body facing a window to enjoy even, soothing illumination. Use a ring light or a bulb behind your camera to light your face, if there isn’t any natural light. Steer clear of backlighting to avoid shadows and a silhouette-like appearance. Choose a background that is clear and simple. A modest plant, a neat bookcase, or a neutral wall can all work well as backdrops. In case of emergency, virtual backdrops can come in handy, but be sure they’re professional and not too distracting.

2. Place your Camera Properly

Aim your camera at eye level to produce more genuine and captivating eye contact. Raise your device with a laptop stand or a stack of books, if necessary. Keep a comfortable distance away from the camera. You should be able to see your head and shoulders, with some room above. If you get too close, your features might be distorted; if you get too far, you may appear aloof and uninterested.

3. Dress for Success

Put on what you would wear to a face-to-face meeting. In contrast to complex patterns and stripes, which can be distracting, solid colours look best on camera. Wearing all black or all white is not a good idea because they might make you stand out or fade into the surroundings. Be mindful of your own grooming. In addition to brushing your hair, a modest makeup application can help minimise shine and level out your skin tone.

4. Improve your Audio

To reduce ambient noise, choose a peaceful area. Inform roommates or family members of your call to prevent disruptions. Make use of a high-quality headset or microphone. While external microphones or headsets offer clearer audio, laptop microphones that are built-in frequently pick up background noise.

5. Optimise your Preferences

Make sure your lens is spotless and optimised for maximum resolution. Select an external webcam with HD quality if you’re using one. It is essential to have a reliable internet connection. If possible , connect to your network via a wired connection to avoid lags or disconnections

6. Engage your Body Language

Keep your back straight and your posture at ease yet alert. A small forward lean might express involvement and curiosity. Smile and make eye contact to demonstrate that you are attentive and involved. Nod occasionally to show that you are understanding. When speaking, look directly into the camera rather than the screen. This gives the appearance that you are making direct eye contact with your audience.

7. Conduct a Pre-Test

Set up your lighting, audio, and camera positions in advance of the call by conducting a test run. A test call function is available on many video conferencing platforms to ensure that everything is set up correctly. If at all possible, ask a friend or coworker for feedback on your setup. They could offer an outsider’s viewpoint on your on-camera appearance.

A combination of adequate setup, personal grooming, and interaction tactics is necessary to look good during video conversations. You can make sure that you project a professional and confident image whenever you are on camera by paying attention to these small details. Whether it is a crucial business meeting or a friendly conversation, paying attention to these pointers will help you look your best and communicate clearly.

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