How to Look Your Best During Zoom Meetings

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself in quite a few Zoom video meetings lately. Even though you may be working from home during these meetings, it’s important to appear as professional as possible. For me, it helps to prepare for the meeting as if I were participating in person. That includes taking a shower, getting dressed appropriately, and making sure my surroundings appear clean and professional as well.

It sure seems like Zoom meetings are here to stay, so here are some additional tips on how to use Zoom as effectively as possible.

1. Lighting – Lighting is key to looking good on camera. Avoid sitting in front of bright windows, which can create a dark silhouette, and utilize tools designed for online meetings like lighting kits.
2. Background – Having a dedicated space like a home office can help you be intentional about what is seen in the background of your videos. Make sure you don’t have dirty laundry lying around or any other distracting items that may appear unprofessional.
3. Positioning – Place your camera at a height where it is angled slightly down toward you. Have the camera close enough that the other parties on the call feel connected to you but not too close that you end up with a distorted face.
4. Camera – It’s important to invest in a higher quality camera for meetings, especially if you’re meeting with clients multiple times during the week.
5. Audio – How you sound is almost as important as how you look during the Zoom call. A quality microphone or headphones can make a big difference in how you represent yourself during the meeting.
6. Dress Up – Let’s be honest, no one is going to see you from the waist down, so there’s no excuse to not dress up from the waist up! It’s important to look polished not only for the other parties on the call, but for your own confidence as well.
7. Log in Early – While it may seem like a small detail, it’s important to log into meetings a couple of minutes early to test your microphone and make sure you have all the necessary documents pulled up if you plan to share your screen. You don’t want to be fumbling through files while you’re trying to focus on what you’re saying.
8. Smile! – Make eye contact with whomever is sharing on the call and pay attention to what they are saying. If you’re distracted, it shows. Also keep in mind that your facial expressions are communicating to everyone else how you’re feeling, even if you’re not doing the talking.

When you combine all of these tips, you’re better equipped to represent both yourself and your company. Present yourself as a professional and you’re more likely to have successful Zoom meetings.