The struggles of 2020 have led many of us to video conferencing apps to communicate with people around the world, and Zoom has proven to be one of the most popular methods.
Everyone is having Zoom meetings these days, from business professionals to grandparents who want to talk with their families. Since we are all using Zoom to talk, we want to look our best, but the camera is not always flattering.
To improve your style and look good on Zoom meetings, you need to take a few steps to set up the perfect "studio". Let's look at how to dress for success, pick your lighting, and get the best camera angle for Zoom meetings.
1. Dress for Success
If you are using Zoom for business, then the idea is to look like you are having a meeting in the office. This means an emphasis on your upper half, including your face and hair.
However, while most people are focusing on your upper half, remember...
Don't Forget to Wear Pants
It is still considered professional and decent to be professional from head to toe. So, you should still wear pants, a skirt, or other professional attire on your bottom half.
You never know when you will have to stand up to grab paperwork or tend to your kids, so be overly cautious and practice proper style like you would in front of people.
Avoid Distracting Outfits
Remember that your meeting is still about business, so wear outfits similar to what you would be wearing at the office. Make sure your attire isn't too distracting because the meeting isn't all about you.
Stick with solid and natural colors whenever possible. Also, avoid wearing T-shirts and tank tops unless your company allows a casual dress code on a regular basis.
Don't Forget Your Skin
Most of us aren't usually on camera, so we don't realize that when a camera focuses, it tends to point out our unflattering features, especially oily skin.
As a precaution, blot or wash your face before you go live so you can look your best.
If you have a naturally uneven skin tone, then Zoom can come to the rescue, and with a click of a button, you can apply a video filter that will even out your appearance.
2. Lighting and Background
The best way to show off your awesome Zoom style is to have good lighting so you can be seen clearly during your meeting. You want your entire face to be clear and visible.
To achieve the best lighting, set up your desk in the brightest area of your room. If you don't have great ceiling lighting, then place a desk lamp very close to you and your computer.
You also should not sit with your back to a large window as that will create shadows and put you as a silhouette. If you do have a large window in the room, the best idea is to flip your desk so you are facing the window, and you will get the best natural light.
Background
As far as the background is concerned, your best bet is to have your back to a plain wall or a wall with very few distractions.
A lot of people like to add texture to their Zoom background by sitting with their back to a bookshelf, but by doing so, you will have your viewers trying to look at the details on your books and the other trinkets on your bookshelf.
You want people to pay attention to what you are saying, so go for the boring wall.
3. Camera Angle is Everything
Regardless of what you're wearing or how you look, if you don't have the camera placed just right, you risk the chance of looking weird or distorted. There are a couple of rules that you should put in place for every Zoom meeting.
Don't Sit Too Close
You do not want to position yourself too close to the camera or the microphone. Stay at least a foot away from the camera. This is especially true for a wide-angle camera or lens. The closer you are, the more distorted your face will look.
You also don't want to sit too far away because it might be harder for your audience to see and hear you. As a rule, sit about 2 feet away from the camera.
Camera at Eye Level
We have all been on that Zoom call where you are looking at the top of the speaker's head or up their nose, and in either case, it isn't good.
You want to give your best impression while you are talking about important business, so have the camera facing straight at you, so the lens is at eye level. If you are using your cell phone, set it on a tripod or on a stack of books, so it is even with your eyes.
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Now that we are all working from home and using video conferencing software on a regular basis, we all have picked up tips and tricks for success.
Share your ideas in the comments below!