In 2024, everyone feels like a pro at video conferencing, but now that everyone is more comfortable with the technology, it’s a good time for a quick refresher on some of the basics that some of us have forgotten. Often you’re making a first impression on a video call, so it’s important to look your best. Filters can only do so much- the rest is up to us.
The American Bar Association wrote a great article at the start of the pandemic lockdowns on how to prepare your work environment for the best-looking video calls. Here are some key tips for you and your co-workers:
- Light your face- ideally from two sides (not above) to avoid excessive shadows. The lights don’t have to be bright. In fact, be mindful of extra bright screens or lights that could reveal reflections from your glasses to the audience.
- Your camera should be at eye level. Looking up or down at the camera appears a little odd to folks on the other side of the call.
- You should be at the center of your camera’s field of vision, not out-of-frame.
- Avoid having a bright window behind you because it will wash out your appearance.
- Depending on the quality of your camera and light, white, bright red, all-black, striped, or shiny outfits could look very distracting.
- Notification sounds from your computer and phone are just as distracting in 2D as they are in 3D.
