Video conferencing can be a lot trickier than one would initially think. It’s more than just sitting down in front of your screen and talking, it’s all about the light, the audio, and the background setting. But don’t fear!
Below are 7 excellent tips on how to really get it right, so that your information reaches the audience in the right way. Stay focused, stay creative and stay curious – now let’s see how to create some video conference magic!
1. Alignment
In order for the audience to see you correctly you need to use some math, sounds strange right but it will enable the most optimal alignment of your face in the screen, al lowing the audience to take it in with no distractions or confusion. With that said, divide the computer screen into 3 horizontal parts, place your eyes along the upper 3rd line WITHOUT cutting of your forehead – move back a little bit from the screen if this allows for your whole face to be seen
2. Background noise
Clear your backdrop of any clutter. Ideally, you would choose a white background (like a wall for example) with no windows, curtains or decorative paintings. These things cre ate distractions unknowingly to the audience – and that is not what we want! Undivided attention to the speaker is our goal.
3. Lighting
As stated above, make sure you are not sitting with your back to a window – always have a the source of light towards your face. This can either be natural lighting, like a window or a lamp. Natural light is the most flattering, however light from a lamp is better than no light!
4. Appearance
Even if you are broadcasting a video conference from home, looking the part is important. Here a good tip is focusing on solid colors and try to avoid patterns – once again causes unnecessary distractions for the audience.
5. Movement and focus
Important to point out but can easily be forgotten, make sure to not move as much as one would do in a physical meeting. Stay within the camera frame, and slow down all movements so that the equipment you are using during your video conference won’t lag behind – creating a speed difference between your video and your audio. When speaking to the camera it is important that your focus is towards the camera, NOT the screen – make eye contact with the people where they are, not where they appear on your screen.
6. Audio
Always do a double check before any video conferencing – that it is both connected properly and that it’s working. If a video conference group is made up of 5 people or less, keeping the microphone on is fine, however, if more people connect – make sure that all mikes are muted. That goes for the person holding the conference as well if others are talking. This will avoid any distractions from the outside as well as technical interference due to the large quantities of people joined together in one digital space.
7. Attention
Make sure you stay present throughout the entire video conference – people will notice when attention is lost. If one needs to go away to get water, coffee or need to use the bathroom, tell other members of the conference that instead of just walking out of the frame. It would be like exiting a room without an explanation.
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