Best Face Forward on Video
It remains true that having a professional presence is important for any job. Increasingly, that includes how you present on video. Unfortunately, numerous professionals, who are undoubtedly polished, sophisticated, and knowledgeable, lose credibility while using video conferencing. These individuals are hurting both their company and their personal brand. Here are three areas to consider making adjustments for your next video conference:
Framing -- Note how much of your body is in view. Ensure your face is centered toward the top of the screen and shoulders relaxed. Use a chair that will remain comfortable for the duration without a lot of shifting around. Items behind you should appear tidy and organized. If you must participate from a location that does not allow this, use a filter or virtual background.
Appearance – Be sure you are groomed as well as you would be for an in-person meeting. Your attire should reflect your professional style and be comfortable.
Eye contact – The camera angle should be high enough to show you looking straight on or even slightly upward. If you are using a secondary screen or need to refer to materials on the desk, occasionally shifting your eyes away from the camera is fine, just be sure to return to center to acknowledge the people watching.
Lighting – Your face should be illuminated with diffused lighting. If there light from a window behind you that creates glare, turn your angle or close the window covering. Lighting should not leave your face in shadow. If needed, use an additional light source.
Video quality -- the camera lens should be clean, clear, and steady. Avoid using a phone for video conferencing unless it can be placed on an immovable stand.
Audio quality – Make sure your microphone is picking up your voice without cutting out, garbling your words or amplifying noises from keystrokes or paper motion.
Pace, tonality and inflection – If you are presenting, spend a few minutes warming up your voice. Sit tall so your breathing is controlled and measured. Vary your pace, tone and inflection (not volume) to add interest for the listeners. Avoid monotone or speeding through your material.
Hand gestures – Use hand gestures sparingly and appropriately. Avoid overly dramatic gesticulation that can distract and annoy others.
Interruptions -- If you start coughing, sneezing, or tending to someone else in the room, put yourself on mute and turn off video for the time you need.
Sharing comments -- Keep comments on-topic, concise, and avoid filler language such as “err”, “um”, “you know”, “you guys”, etc. If you need a moment to compose a response to another participant, silence is acceptable.
Professional content — It may seem obvious: provide valuable information and use language understandable by your audience (including closed captioning if possible). Avoid jargon and overuse of buzz words, trendy terms or empty phrases that tend to dilute your message. If you do not have enough real information to fill the allotted time, end early!
Assistance – If you are presenting or leading a meeting, enlist someone to manage the technology side of the video conference if possible.
Closing –If the video conference included action items for participants, repeat them and ask for final comments. Always close with a thank you.
Copyright (c) 2022. Original creation unaided by AI.