Since we’re all on Zoom, FaceTime, and other video chats these days, here are our tips for looking and sounding great during a call.
- Look at the camera: The big temptation is to look at yourself on the screen, which means you’re looking away from the camera. (You know how bad it looks when a newscaster looks at the wrong camera? That.)
- Find proper light – and acoustics: The best room is often the living room. They tend to be larger, and have sound-absorbent qualities, which cuts down on echo. But don’t sit directly under a large light, or in front of a window. Worst place? The bathroom. (Just one of many reasons that there should be no cameras in the bathroom!)
- Dress the part: Maybe you don’t have to dress up as much as you would at the office. Aim for “one-level” down from that. Your face? You can relax the rules a bit here as well. A few days’ growth might be too much, but a scruff is OK. Ladies, you can go easy on the makeup, and hair.
- Pets: If you know your co-workers will get a smile out of seeing your pup or cat on-screen, feel free to show them, but don’t let them steal the spotlight. (Because if they do, it’ll probably be for doing something in the background that everyone will remember for a long time…)
- Mind the background: No dirty dishes, no laundry piles or embarrassing personal items (including semi-clad significant others…). Stay away from peeling paint, booze, and unmade beds as well. (If celebs are any indication, a bookshelf is mandatory…)