Hey all you cool cats and kittens!
Netflix has seen entirely too much of me and I am pretty sure it does not even ask if I am still watching. Right now, we are all missing those meetings that could have been emails. All we want is a little interaction and to stop talking in TikTok. Pre- COVID-19, we were sure that technology would be our downfall but now technology has been our savior when it comes to being social and carrying out work/school related tasks. By now, you may have experienced a Zoom call, either for work, social, school or exercise and I bet your first zoom experience was to the equivalent of opening your front facing camera. Ugh! No more of front facing satan, I have a few tips and tricks to help you look damn good on your next zoom meeting.
Tip #1
Lighting is everything, especially with video! Natural light is the best. Take a walk around your home with your phone and find a window that brings in the best light. If you already have a dedicated workspace without the best lighting, add a table/desk lamp. The lamp should be eye level, in order to light your face.
Tip #2
You got to know your angles. Do not face forward! For many of us, we lack symmetry in our face and when you are positioned forward, lack of symmetry becomes noticeable. You will want to feature your good side (everyone has one) and slightly angle your shoulder of the good side to the camera. Also, know the angles of your camera. Setting your camera device at eye level is best but having your camera slightly above your head facing down works just as well. When it comes to framing yourself, you will want to be framed in the middle of the video with just enough space from the top of your head to the top of the video frame.
*Position your Laptop or tablet on a stack of books to be set at eye level. Limit hand gestures on screen, either place hands on laps/knees or interlock hands and place in lap. When it is your turn to speak, look into your camera and not your screen, that is digital eye contact.
Tip #3
The stars of the show are your eyes and mouth, since this is where everyone will look when it is time for you to speak. You will (should) want to look awake. Ladies add a little mascara, brow and gloss. Guys do whatever it is that you do but do not forget your Chapstick.
Tip #4
What do you wear on a zoom meeting? Is it business on top and party (no pants) on bottom? It seems that many of us have become relaxed in what we wear and think it is acceptable to really show that we are quarantined by what we choose to wear for these video calls. Please, get fully dressed! By getting fully dressed you are signaling your brain that you are preparing to do something thus boosting your confidence and demeanor. Choose colors that you like and best compliment your skin. Also, you will want to choose form-fitting tops as this will most likely define your upper body. In the winter, turtlenecks would have been great but now we are in spring, so it would be best to choose open necklines to elongate your upper body.
*Deodorant stains on black tops, show up more on video.
Tip #5
You would not take your zoom meeting next to your trash, so why would you have a trash background? Clean and declutter your background. Limit movement in your background, think of seeing clean lines. Zoom has backgrounds on the desktop version, if you do not feel confident with your own.
With these quick tips, you will still be the talk of the office, looking as good as ever. Alexa play Juice by Lizzo!