Professional Impact in Video Conferences from HomeLighting

Know that when you’re in front of the camera you can give a much better impression if you have adequate lighting for your face. Other conference participants may want to see your facial expression because that is an important part of your communication. If there is a window behind you, your face will be dark and you will lose that extra layer of communication. Therefore, adjust the level of lighting that may be on the left and right hand side of your face.

Video transmission

Check the camera settings for your video conferences, and test with a colleague. Usually we are too close to the camera and other people only see your face. In that way, you lose an important aspect of your communication which is gestures

Move about 2 feet away from the camera so that people can see your upper body. Also check and adjust the height of the camera so that other people do not look down on you or look up. That may give the wrong impression. Do you want to put your best foot forward even in that video conference

Check the background

The background should show neither a white wall nor private photographs. Either adjust the settings in your video conferencing tool to have a set background picture. This can be adorned with your company logo to give a thorough professional message.

If you do show your office wall, have a single meaningful picture behind you, tastefully displayed and related to your line of business. Optionally, you may want to display certificates or awards that tell of your professional accomplishments.  If you can see the room behind you, make sure it’s not the kitchen but may be a tastefully decorated sideboard for additional depth in the background

Starting a video conference on OFF

When starting the video conference, make sure that your video and microphone is turned off. that way, you can have a company logo displayed on till you’re ready and set to go. Also, adjust the settings to have a transmission optimized