It seems like everyone is using Zoom these days. Here’s a few tips and tricks to help you present polished and professional on Zoom.

Zoom, or other video, meetings seem to be the way of the future. Though many businesses may return to normal office hours, the requirement to work from home has showed us that there are some jobs that can be done from home with the use of certain technology. Now more than ever, video conferences for work are looking like the best way forward. So what does that mean for you? If anything, it should indicate that it is time to step up your video chat game if you haven’t yet! Even if you are working from home, putting off a professional aura will help you look better and feel better! Here are some tips to make sure you look great for your Zoom meeting!

Dress The Part

You may not be heading into the office but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you are. There is a reason for the phrase “look good, feel good” - and it can help you feel a little more normal during stay-home orders.

Check The Lighting

The main thing to focus on with lighting is avoiding unnecessary shadows on your face. Make sure that you have a steady light source that lights your face evenly, preferably in front of you rather than from the side or behind. If you don’t have a lamp, sit in front of a window with the light on your face.

Pick a Plain Background

The more boring, the better. Having an exciting background can take away from focus and that is not what you will want during a work meeting.

Back It Up

Sitting too close to your camera can distort your face and therefore, tends to be unflattering. Sit a little further back from your camera to avoid any wide-angle shots of your face.

Change Your Angles

Make sure your camera is sitting right at or right above eye level, that way you are not looking down on the camera but also not looking up. If your webcam is built in, you can place books under your screen to bring the camera up to eye-level.

Speak Loud and Clear

Always do a sound check before logging into a meeting. You want to make sure you are close enough that your words are heard but not so close that you are filling any silence with your breathing.

Zoom to live feeds

If you are planning to go live from Zoom, check that you have strong uninterrupted internet access. If you are at home and depending on your internet speed, this may mean asking family members to avoid using the internet while you are on the Zoom call. This ensures your Zoom to Live feed does not pause or glitch. Also, watching the live feed on a second device during the Zoom to Live call can create feedback on Zoom and prevents audio from working properly. To avoid this, be sure to turn off the sound for that second device or ask anyone watching the live feed on a second device to station in a seperate room to prevent audio feedback.

Whether you are a practiced Zoom user or just starting out, these tips and tricks will help you put your best foot forward and increase your level of digital connectivity and engagement. Happy Zooming!

Oh, by the way®... if there is any way I can be of service to you or your family during this time, please call me. I’m happy to help you however I can in a way that is healthy, safe and sanitary.