Since work from home is the new normal, this may be the best time to talk about how to make yourself look super professional on video. We, at LMB Productions, have been making senior leadership look good camera for almost a decade now and realized that this sacred knowledge might be helpful for everyone it today’s scenario.
The fact is, your work location may have changed over the past few months but the basics of effective corporate communication remain the same. You still need to be able to make a powerful impression and take charge of a meeting. You need to speak with authority and your message still needs to be crystal clear. The stakes are of course higher if you are talking to prospective clients because you still need to make that great first impression but on camera. Zoom, Skype, Teams, or whatever your company uses, make sure you stand out in this new work setting too.
So we know what the stakes are, let’s get straight to it:
Simple rules for a good video nook
Good light: If you know anyone with even the faintest interest in photography, you have heard them talk about “the lighting”. This is because lighting is vital, under-lit grainy video feed is distracting and really unpleasant (so unpleasant that they literally made a horror hit, Paranormal Activity, just using that element). So to avoid the horror you should try and stay away from under-lit rooms and also harsh overhead lights that cast shadows on your face. What you can do is make the best use of natural light (sit facing a window) if its day time, or use a lamp to light your face.
Clean background: This doesn’t mean your background needs to be a white wall or a sheet of paper. Even if your background is a workstation, bedroom or study, just make sure it is clean and doesn’t have anything that will distract others. Let your co-workers or clients focus on you and not the plate of half-eaten sandwiches in the background.
Clear audio: Now a lot of people will have you believe that good audio can only be achieved using fancy, specialized equipment. But we are not building a recording studio, we just want to be heard clearly with minimum ambient sound or distractions. So choose a place where you can shut the door, if you have kids at home it may also help to drape said door with a heavy cloth such as a curtain or a light blanket. If you are sitting near a window, make sure it is closed so random sounds don’t interrupt you. The more wood around you the better, as it absorbs a lot of ambient sounds making your voice very clear.
Camera Height: Last but not least, if you are taking these calls on your phone or a laptop the placement of the camera is such that you can end up like you are looking down onto the people you are addressing unless you adjust the height of the camera. The way around it is easy enough, a few big books or a sturdy box can do the trick. Raising the camera will also help you look straight into the lens, improving engagement.
Pro Tip: Walk around your home and create a video nook, a place that usually has good light, access to a lamp (so you don’t have to run around looking for it 3 minutes before the call), and that you always keep tidy. Having a fixed place will ensure you have to get your basic prep right just once, and then you will have everything else in place for as long as you need it.
Video Prep Time
Dress for the call: This is an obvious but very, VERY important point. If you are used to working hard at the office and relaxing at home, working in formals at home can feel rather strange. Even if you can get your work done in comfy summer cottons, put on your formals for your call. It will immediately change the atmosphere of your meeting and bring a sense of seriousness to the proceedings.
Prepare your points: Knowing what you want to say can reduce a whole lot of stress. Now we are not suggesting you prepare a script, but jot down the main points you want to get across in the meeting well in advance. That way you will not flounder for words and added plus your calls will be crazy efficient.
ProTip: While getting dressed it helps to be in contrast with your background so you stand out more. If your background is light colours wear deep\dark colours. {reference Image}
Three, two, one, LIVE!
Look at the lens: Once the call is finally on remember to look at the lens this sounds easy but it is human to forget and look at the image of the person you are talking to instead. A good hack here is to move the frame of the person as close to the lens as possible so you don’t have to fight nature on it. {graphic?}
Body language: You are not there to stride into a room with purpose but are just as serious about getting that job done. This needs to reflect in your body language. Sit upright, never take a call from your couch (it makes us all potatoes) and just be sharp, clean, and attentive.
Technical glitches: Be mentally prepared you or someone you are on call with to not be able to see\hear\talk etc. Technical glitches just come with the video conferencing turf, just being prepared for it to happen will resolve half your frustration when it does happen. You just need to know one hack, which is: Gather your thoughts before launching into “can you hear me”. Take a pause, make a note of where you were so that it is easy to start whenever the problem is solved.
Pro tip: Feeling vulnerable on camera is more than natural, almost everyone we have worked it feels daunted by it in the beginning. Just remember the person in front of you is also going through the same thing. Think about the fact that you are providing a value that is far more important than a hiccup on camera.
What you and your colleagues have to say is still the most valuable part of these calls. So talk, exchange ideas and listen to each other.
At LMB we know the power of great communication, of a great video presentation. At the end day, a message does a long way if one can tell it right. That’s the true power of storytelling.
