NCET Biz Tips: 5 Tips to Look Your Best on Zoom

by Marcia O’Malley, Founder and Video Content Creator at Mindful Media Services

I’ve become a true Zoombie! How about you? Over the last few months, I’ve attended, hosted and managed more Zoom meetings and events than I can count. Who would have imaged such a scene?

Our new virtual reality begs us to step up our game online. How are you showing up?

Are you one of the participants who sits in a shadow, or one who takes your phone with you while you listen in and everyone can see where you go including the bathroom? Or maybe you are one of those hosts who shows off more of your ceiling than your face.

Whatever the situation, most of us can benefit from improving our appearance on a Zoom call. Even though you’re working from home, you still want to treat every meeting as you would if you were participating in person. That means take a shower, get dressed appropriately, and plan out your setting to make sure you have what you need.

Here are 5 practical tips to help you show up and shine online.

CAMERA

The quality of your webcam and the positioning of the lens set the stage for success or failure. You need a webcam that streams in HD (High Definition) or greater (i.e. 4K) and you want to position your camera slightly above eye-level for the most flattering angle. Sit far enough away from the camera so your head and shoulders fill most of the screen.

LIGHTING

You need to be seen! Don’t you hate it when someone is sitting in a dark shadow backlit from a bright window? You need light shining on your face. There are lots of options like desktop LED lights and ring lights. You can even use a household lamp.

CLOTHING

Wear solid colors that look good on you and stand out from your background and your chair. Polka dots and stripes or wild patterns are distracting. A print scarf or other accessory is fine.

MICROPHONE

Generally, the microphones that are built into a webcam don’t capture voices very well. An external microphone or headset will significantly improve the quality of your audio. People will tolerate poor video, but if they can’t hear you, they won’t stick around!

TOUCH UP

In the Zoom desktop app, there’s a “touch up my appearance” option that applies some skin smoothing. It adds a little blur to soften your wrinkles. It’s not Botox or Hollywood level touch up, but certainly helps!

If you make a few simple changes as I’ve suggested, I guarantee you will be shining with the best of us on your next Zoom meeting!

Learn about Leveling Up Your Zooming at NCET’s Biz Cafe Online on July 15th. NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. More info at www.NCETcafe.org 

Marcia O’Malley is Founder and Video Content Creator at Mindful Media Services. www.mindfulmediaservices.com. She helps small businesses get online, connect to new audiences, and make more money using video.