Of course, you can also hold every meeting in a video call just as your equipment is currently set up. But there is also a better way: We have put together a few tips for you that will make you look particularly good on a video call!
Adjust lighting
Proper lighting can make a huge difference in a video call. In the best case, provide frontal lighting to avoid unsightly shadows. In no case should you have a window in your back. Your face will then appear much darker and at the same time the strong incidence of light could cause distraction or a distorted camera image. It is best to position your light source about 30 cm above your eye level. If you are blinded, you can hold your face down slightly or move the light source a little further up. In general, you should use indirect lighting with a slight red cast. Daylight, for example, has a slight bluish cast and can severely distort your complexion in the camera shot.
Align the camera correctly
You will surely have mastered the basics of the correct camera position. In the picture you should be placed roughly in the middle, the focus is on your face. The camera should be about so far away that you can see your head and part of your upper body - much like in a personal conversation at the table. However, there are a few details when it comes to alignment that are not immediately apparent: Position your camera at least at eye level, preferably around 30% higher. This is how you can avoid an unattractive double chin. At the same time, your gaze at the camera will be transmitted to your chat partner much more naturally. And even if it is difficult - try to look less at the video transmissions of your colleagues and more actually into the camera. Here is a fun but effective tip that can help:Glue a wiggle eye to the left and right of your camera. At first this might seem a bit silly. In the long run, however, it helps to appear completely natural during video calls and to look your colleagues in the eye..
Customize the background
The background is an important part of the video chat. If total chaos reigns behind you, it can distract you in the conference - and, in the worst case, give you a bad reputation with your colleagues. In general, you should be careful not to see too many objects in the background. However, some personal accents such as plants or a bookshelf are perfectly fine. So that you are not placed too much in the background, your actual background should be a little darker and less illuminated than you are. If you do not have the option of changing your background to match, you can cover it with a virtual background. Here we are going to show you how to change the background in Microsoft Teams.You could also blur your background so that only shapes and colors can be seen. Read here how you can apply virtual backgrounds and filters in Zoom.
Choose appropriate clothing
The right clothes can make a huge difference in a meeting. Even when the temptation is great, avoid wearing clothes that are "too comfortable". Nobody sees it when you are sitting at the computer in sweatpants. However, this can mean that you no longer feel really in the work mood yourself.
And even if you wear normal clothes, there are a few things to keep in mind: It is best to wear neutral clothes. Bright colors or patterns, especially stripes, can sometimes not be properly perceived by the camera. Your picture may then not be transmitted in the video chat or it may be very distorted. Very dark clothing can mean that you are no longer so clearly visible in the video chat - especially if your study or background is kept relatively dark. Gleaming white tops are not an alternative either, because "gleaming" is to be taken literally in this case: pure white clothing can reflect light, so that the image transmission can also be distorted..
Avoid sources of interference
In addition to the tips mentioned above, you should also generally make sure that you can work as undisturbed as possible. The first time it may be funny for you and your colleagues when your cat jumps on the keyboard and also wants to "chat" with you. If this happens more often, however, it can disturb concentration and thus the entire meeting. So try to keep pets busy as much as possible. If possible, schedule your meetings so that there are few people in the household. Talk to your children and explain the importance of video calls to them. But it also applies: if your children really need your help during the meeting, ask them to take a short break.Your colleagues will certainly understand this - at least if you don't have to ask for a break every five minutes.