Ten Tips for Becoming a Videoconferencing Boss!
COVID-19 has put us all into a new reality. It has created an opportunity for us to continue to grow and learn. This new reality requires us to create an online persona. All of a sudden we need to quickly become experts at videoconferencing. And so it was for me when my employer required that we move all our courses online.
As a result, I’ve had to reconfigure my curriculum and learn to engage with my students virtually. My videoconferencing skills had to improve from novice to expert in under two weeks! Along the way I’ve learned a few things. Below are tips that you may already use in other settings, or perhaps have not thought of at all, but that you can apply now to help you too look and feel more confident online.
Top 10 List of Dos and Don’ts to Prepare for Videoconferences:
Do put a small light behind your computer screen (think Ring Lights that Youtubers and Selfie enthusiasts use!). It will help you see the screen better and light up your face!
Don’t have your back to a large window or other light source. It creates a starburst effect behind you and puts you in a shadow.
Do look at the lens of the camera, not at yourself in the corner of your computer screen. One easy way to remember to do that is to stick a pair of craft eyeballs to the top of your camera to remind you to look there.
Don’t use a bookcase full of books behind you, unless you want to share that much about yourself. If you’re not a reader, don’t pretend to be one online – it will seem fake. Use some plants instead (fake ones are okay).
If you can, do stand rather than sit – your voice will project better that way. You will also have better posture. We tend to slouch when we sit so standing helps address that habit.
Do have a mirror nearby to check yourself before going live. While you’re add it, don’t just check your face, also check your clothes. Also, remember to trim any random hairs (nose, eyebrow, bangs, etc.). Important: be sure that the mirror is handy for a quick look, but it should remain off-screen.
Don’t wear a strapless, transparent, torn, dirty, or low-cut top. It’s distracting and unprofessional, and with a camera placed above eye level, you could be revealing more than you think.
Don’t wear plaid, busy patterns, or shirts with words on them. They distract from your message. Also, don’t wear a hat. It can hide your face and create unwanted shade.
Don’t wear clothing or jewelry that makes noise
If in a large group, do say your name before you speak. This helps the moderator and the participants keep track of who is saying what.
I sincerely hope these no-cost and low-cost tips help you get a better handle on how to live online. I’ve used them all consistently and found them helpful in making me look and feel more confident on-screen.
Let me know if they work for you in the comments below. See you online!