Video calls are an indispensable part of work and social life today. Yet many people still struggle with looking – and feeling – truly polished on Zoom and other video conferencing platforms.
Appearing professional on camera requires mastering skills beyond in-person meetings. With some effort though, you can present an intentional, credible presence that aligns with the standards of video communications.
This comprehensive guide draws on multimedia and psychology expertise to transform you into a confident, compelling figure on Zoom. Let‘s get you looking fantastic on your next video call!
Why Bother With Video Conferencing Etiquette?
Research by Forbes reveals that 93% of communication effectiveness stems from nonverbal elements like facial expressions, posture, eye contact and appearance.
Your outfit, background, lighting, and positioning tell a story – whether you intend them to or not. Viewers unconsciously pass judgement on your competence, credibility and professionalism based on what they observe on video calls.
Those first visual impressions leave a lasting impact on how others engage with your message and brand. Investing some effort into intentionally crafting your on-screen presence pays dividends through:
- Increased memorability and brand recognition
- More meaningful communication and connections
- Higher perceived competence and trustworthiness
- Greater confidence and reduced call anxiety
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." – Will Rogers
Follow the guidelines in this article and you‘ll convey polish, capability and respect right from the start – without having to say a word.
Stepping Into Video With Confidence
Many people feel self-conscious and nervous jumping onto video calls. But with preparation and practice, you can step into any Zoom meeting exuding credibility and assurance.
Overcoming Common Video Conferencing Mistakes
Don‘t undermine your expertise with amateur errors – avoid these common video call blunders:
1. Fidgeting on Camera
Continuously shifting in your seat or letting your eyes wander disturbs your audience and screams discomfort.
2. Positioning Camera Too Low
A camera angled up your nose is not a good look! Set it at eye level.
3. Sitting Too Far From Camera
Pixelated video from excessive distance appears unapproachable. Get close enough for clear visual and audio.
4. Having Cluttered Backgrounds
Messy environments feel distracting and unprofessional. Streamline your backdrop.
5. Experiencing Tech Difficulties
Fumbling with sound and connection problems feels unprepared. Do pre-call tech checks!
With some concerted effort, you can avoid these all-too-common mistakes undermining your capability on camera.
Step-By-Step Guide to Look Polished on Zoom
Looking pulled together on video calls requires learning new techniques tailored to the medium.
Transform yourself into a vibrant, professional presence others will recognize with these essential tips:
Step 1: Dress the Professional Part
While Zoom only shows you from the waist up, taking pride in your appearance makes a big impact.
Stick to solid colors or subtle geometric patterns instead of distracting prints. Jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue look striking on camera.
| Clothing Colors | Psychological Impact |
|---|---|
| Black | Authority, Power |
| Blue | Trustworthiness, Calm |
| White | Clarity, Poise |
| Red | Energy, Boldness |
For women, blouses with feminine details paired with blazers project credibility. Collared shirts demonstrate competence for men. Just avoid revealing or overly-casual tops.
The right business attire signals you take meetings seriously, even if they‘re conducted over video.
Step 2: Perfect Your Camera Position
Be intentional about adjusting both yourself and your camera angle for the most flattering perspective.
| Camera Position | Impact on Viewer |
|---|---|
| Too High | Exaggerated head size |
| Too Low | Distorted jawline/neck |
| Just Right | Eye level – natural view |
The ideal camera location is your eye level – not pointing up your nose or hovering above your head!
Sit up straight about an arm‘s length distance from the lens, then relax your shoulders and tilt your chin slightly downward while still keeping your gaze directly into the center of the camera.
Being off-center makes you appear awkward and disengaged, so position yourself squarely in the middle of the video frame.
Getting the camera angle and seating right frames you in the most natural, flattering way possible.
Step 3: Leverage Lighting to Brighten Your Video Presence
Lighting has an immense impact on image quality, dramatically influencing how you look on camera.
Harsh overhead lighting creates dark shadows under eyes and noses. For the most professional results, diffuse overhead light is ideal.
Natural window light is beautiful if you face the window head-on, allowing the light to fill in facial contours evenly.
For rooms sans windows, position powerful desk lamps on both sides of your face to achieve balanced illumination. Adjust intensity so there‘s no glare on glasses or computer screens.
Here‘s a review of affordable ring lights under $50 ideal for smoothing and brightening skin:
A small investment into proper lighting pays back tenfold through glowing video quality!
Step 4: Arrange an Intentional Backdrop
While virtual backgrounds seem appealing, depth and dimension of real environments better mimics lifelike interactions.
All you need is a plain wall, solid curtain, framed art print, or house plant. Just tidy up clutter and distracting patterns!
A pared-down bookshelf visually conveys knowledge without excessive personality. Or set up by a window allowing dynamic natural scenery.
Do test recordings to catch unintended objects in the background ahead of meetings. Crafting an intentional backdrop makes you appear credible and professional.
Step 5: Apply Subtle Camera-Ready Makeup
Harsh webcam lighting easily washes people out, masking natural vibrancy and radiance.
Strategic makeup helps skin tone, eyes and lips stand out vividly on camera for both men and women. Follow these steps:
- Smooth undereye darkness and blemishes with concealer
- Even out redness and discoloration with tinted moisturizer
- Warm up complexion with blush on the apples of cheeks
- Define eyes lightly with brown mascara and eyeliner
- Plump up lips subtly with rosebud salve or tinted chapstick
Set with translucent powder to limit shine. Touch up oiliness during longer calls.
The right makeup enhances rather than overwhelms your natural features on video.
Step 6: Adjust Video Settings For Optimal Image Quality
Leverage Zoom’s built-in settings to correct lighting imbalances and enhance video feed clarity.
Under "Video Settings", toggle on options for:
- HD video for enhanced sharpness
- Adjust lighting levels
- Touch up appearance to smooth lines/blemishes
- Show real background instead of virtual one
For more customization, invest in an external ring light or higher quality webcam. With the right gear and adjusted settings, you can achieve perfectly polished video quality.
Step 7: Practice Regularly to Build Confidence
Refining your video presence takes conscious devotion and regular practice. But the payoff is well worth it!
Set aside time to implement these tips and test different setups. Run practice calls with colleagues or friends and ask for candid feedback.
Pay attention to subtle cues like eye contact, relaxed posture and clear voice projection. Have them highlight areas for improvement so you can continue honing your on-camera acumen.
With consistent effort, self-consciousness melts away as assuredness and credibility shine through.
Key Takeaways for Looking Polished and Professional
Follow these best practices for a fabulous video call presence:
- Dress the professional part on top – avoid casual or revealing tops
- Perfect positioning at eye level, one arm distance from camera
- Flatter yourself with diffuse, balanced lighting
- Craft an intentional backdrop free from visual clutter
- Apply subtle camera-ready makeup for vibrancy
- Adjust settings for optimized video – HD, Appearance filtering
- Practice regularly to build outstanding video call skills
Truly connecting through a lens demands some skill-building. But a little concerted effort goes a tremendously long way in boosting on-camera credibility and polish.
Stay persistent implementing these tips, and soon you’ll emanate effortless assurance and visual impact through the camera!
