Now that video meetings have become the new norm and have been used to host everything from birthday parties and board calls to graduations and weddings, I suspect they will be much more commonly used moving forward.
By day I work as spokesperson for major construction projects and oftentimes have to give on-camera interviews. Even though it’s part of my job, I don’t love being on camera so I totally understand and feel the pain when it comes to this subject. Why does everything look so distorted and unflattering?
I’m notorious for keeping my camera off during video calls. But for the instances where you need to have your camera on, here are some practical tips to help combat the anxiety that can come with being on camera. Making just a few simple tweaks will allow you to be more in control of your video chat environment and can make a world of difference in your comfort level.
Above all else - let’s first talk LIGHTING!! Good lighting can make or break any shot.
Dos and Don’ts of lighting:
Pro tip: If the outside lighting isn’t great – maybe it’s overcast or you have a call at night, you can position a light ring or lamp behind your computer so that it's shining on your face. This flattering wash of illumination will blur harsh shadows and lines, make your eyes sparkle and create a healthy glow as opposed to the fuzzy gray pallor that basic computer cameras impart.
Next up – ANGLES! As anyone who’s caught a glimpse of themselves accidentally when their phone has been in selfie mode knows, getting caught at the wrong angle can be pretty horrifying. But fear no longer, by controlling the angle, you can control your appearance.
Dos and Don’ts of Angles:
Can you hear me now? Let’s talk SOUND QUALITY!
Giving coworkers, clients and bosses a peek into your home can be downright awkward and anxiety-provoking to say the least, don’t give them anything to talk about. Mind your SURROUNDINGS.
And last but not least, let’s talk APPEARANCE. Even if working from home, showing up to a video call in workout clothes, messy hair or pajamas is probably going to be generally frowned upon. The good thing about virtual meetings is that it's much easier to fake looking pulled together.
Have you been doing a ton of video calls lately?
What's your favorite platform? What tricks have you picked up to feel more confident on video calls?
Whether it’s love, good health, a solid relationship, serenity, freedom, a title, respect, or a certain number in the bank or on the scale - anything you chase will always be outside of you.
Apart from you.
A Perpetual Separation.
The energy of chasing by nature keeps you in pursuit and the desired "thing" running away from you. This creates more resistance & frustration and actually widens the gap between you and what you want.
Andrea Pacini
Author