The Coronavirus has forced us indoors, giving new definitions to business- as-usual. We’re in a new frontier of online everything, leaving us with no choice but to work, take meetings, teach, learn, grocery shop, have girl’s night, and coffee dates all online. In the midst of it all, here are my best tips for looking your best if you have to take meetings or teach online.
7 Ways To Look Your Best Online
Tip #1- Have Good Lighting– Don’t rely on your living room, home office, or spare bedroom fluorescent lights. No one looks good in fluorescent light. Invest in a ring light and take advantage of as much natural light as possible. Here’s the ring light I use and here’s an alternative.
Tip #2– Face Windows and Don’t Backlight– Don’t sit with windows behind you; that will backlight, casting a darkness or shadow on your face. You won’t be seen. Positioning yourself with windows in front of your face again helps to take advantage of as much natural light as possible. Turn off any fluorescent lights.
Tip #3– Clean Your Camera- Be sure your laptop or external camera is free of smudges and dirt. You want your picture to look sharp and crisp. Use a microfiber cloth to clean.
Tip #4– Frame Your Shot– Be sure you have headroom. You want at least 2-3 inches of space above your head. Center your shot so there’s equal distance around you. Place yourself in an imaginary box on your screen and center yourself inside that box.
Tip#5– Shoot at Eye Level– Set up your laptop or desktop at eye level so that you’re looking directly into your camera. You may need to raise your chair or stack books under your device, or even sit on a stack of books (or an old phone book- Ha!). Don’t lean your laptop on your knees or legs, looking down into your camera and don’t set up your device higher than your eye level. Looking directly into your camera helps you not only connect with your audience but also let’s your audience know you are engaged and making virtual eye contact.
Tip #6– Incorporate Background Design– Be aware of your wall space and set up your shot in front of an area that’s aesthetically pleasing. Don’t shoot in front of your kitchen, especially if it’s not clean. Remove all clutter from your background space. Setting up in front of a bookshelf, a white wall with design features such as art or paintings is great!
Tip #7- Be Aware of Your RBF– Resting Bitch Face is real. Although you may hate the meeting that you’re in, you don’t want to convey your distain on your face. If you’re irritated, everyone can see that. Your face, facial expressions, and gestures are all communicating certain messages and sending information to your audience. Non verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. What we say with our face, our eyes, and overall demeanor is telling. Be aware of what you’re thinking and don’t let it show on your face if that’s not something you want others to see. You don’t have to be smiley but remember, you may brighten someone’s day if you do.
*Most importantly, be forgiving, of yourself and others. Working from home and working from home with children presents its own challenges. Doorbells ringing, dogs barking, children screaming, fighting or not wanting to take a nap are all apart of everyday life. Be patient with each other and understand where others might be in their lives. Look out for one another. Check on one another and remember, you’re not alone.
If you’re teaching an online class, or taking one, have grace with each other and try to just roll with the punches. Try to have fun with the information you’re delivering and remember, we’re all in this together!
