Learn • Anywhere
Rumie logo

Video calls are becoming more common as businesses and professionals seek ways to connect virtually instead of connecting in person.

Bored Work From Home GIF by SUGAR Cosmetics

Whether you are interviewing for a job, want to launch a product, or have an upcoming meeting, you will be able to present your best self to your audience, using these 6 tips:

  • Be Conscious and Aware of Your Background

  • Ensure That You Have Good Lighting

  • Check Your Connection

  • Use Professional Etiquette

  • Be Focused

  • Use Good Camera Mechanics

Be Conscious And Aware Of Your Background

Extremely messy living room with plates and clothes strewn about

Keep your background tidy and free from clutter to help keep your video call, distraction free.

Clean The Clutter!

A woman vacuuming under a sign that says 'Clean the Clutter!'

Ensure That You Have Good Lighting

Too much lighting...

can bounce into the camera and create a glare.

Too little lighting...

can create a shadowed appearance.

Ideally...

Use soft lighting with the light source being in front of you.

What you can do...

Open blinds for natural lighting, or turn on indoor lighting that properly lights your face.

Woman sitting at a desk in a well-lit room typing on laptop

Good, balanced, lighting equals a video call that is less distracting.

Did you know?

This Byte was created by a volunteer professional that wanted to share this insight to help you succeed - no agenda, no cost.

Check Your Connection

Flaticon Icon

It is important that you have a good camera, microphone, and internet connection. Any lapse in connection could be disastrous to a video call.

wifi GIF

Quiz

It is best to test your equipment or connection...

Use Professional Etiquette

  • Treat the video call like an in-person meeting.

  • Groom your hair, makeup, and attire to promote a professional appearance.

  • Do not chew gum or eat on camera.

  • Mute your mic when you are not speaking, to limit background noise.

Jennifer Lopez Business GIF by American Idol

Quiz

All of these are acceptable professional etiquette examples except...

Be Focused

  • Focus on the speaker.

  • Do not check your email or respond to text messages.

  • Give the speaker your undivided attention.

Smiling woman at a home desk writing on notepad looking at a laptopShow that you are engaged and present.

Use Good Camera Mechanics

You may be tempted to look at yourself or other participants during the call, but it is good practice to look and speak directly into the camera.

Keep your camera at eye level to prevent distortion of your features.

Each participant should feel like you are speaking directly to them.

I am looking directly into the camera.

Take Action

Do It Now Stand Up GIF by UMC - Stream Black Better

If you are preparing for a professional video call, it's time to...

License:

This Byte has been authored by

DY

DEONNA YOUNG

Learning Designer

English

🍪 We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info