As you know, we are currently experiencing a global pandemic and this has resulted in many of us having to telecommute, using technology to connect with the outside world safely.
But for many people this means radically changing the way they work.
Communicating remotely for the first time, using applications such as Zoom or Facetime can generate some rejection if we are not clear about how to do it.
If you dread the idea of activating your camera when you're on a video call...Stick around. We explain the top tricks to see yourself better on your computer or mobile camera.
You only need 10-15 minutes to find your ideal space, the perfect angle, the right light and your best face.
You will see how easy it is to face meetings with your colleagues or clients having everything ready.
Tip number 1: Find the lighting that suits you best.
The light that best suits you is the one that enters naturally from a window. We look for a soft, diffused light that hits you directly.
If the light is coming from above, from the side or from behind, it will cause some parts of your face to be illuminated and others to have shadows.
Therefore, the best option would be to be located in front of a window or an entrance of light, which is not too strong.
If the light is too strong or too bright, your face may be extremely bright, and completely white.
Use curtains to soften the entry of light.
On the contrary, if your problem is that not enough light enters through the window or you do not have a window, help yourself with a table lamp or some other artificial light, which you will place in front of you, just behind the computer.
Now that you know what the light should look like, it's time to find the site.
Take your phone, activate the camera facing you, and walk around the house. Notice the shadows on your face as you walk around.
Possibly you have already detected where in the house you look best. That is the place where you will build your workspace to make video calls from your cell phone or computer, no matter which app you use: Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
Tip number 2: Find the angle that suits you best
The worst camera angle is always from below.
Anything below your head will force you to look down, slightly deforming your face and showing aspects of you that you didn't know about, such as the dreaded "double chin" or possible neck wrinkles.
You should get the camera viewfinder slightly above your eyes. This will force you to keep your head always up (we will stylize the neck area) and will also help your eyes to stay open and awake.
How to elevate the laptop? Very simple: use a box, a book block or something you already have at home with a firm surface.
Don't forget your arms and hands: you may need to consult or share a document during the video call, so make sure you can reach the keyboard comfortably.
In case you are using an iphone, the lifting mechanism would be the same, but you can also use a cup as a support for the cell phone.
Free your hands. If you hold your cell phone, you may end up getting tired, which will cause involuntary movements of your arm, causing discomfort to the person you are talking to at that moment.
Tip number 3: Tidy and clean the space you have chosen.
Regardless of whether your house is clean or not (most of us hardly ever keep it presentable ☺ ), the space that will appear in your video calls is the one thing you should always keep neat and tidy, ready for use. Don't tidy it up in a hurry just 5 minutes before a meeting.
Tip number 4: Avoid distractions and external sounds.
Achieving absolute silence while working from home can be complicated. Especially when we share spaces with family or pets that may appear on the scene at the most inopportune moment.
To the extent that you can, block out interruptions and external sounds such as: the washing machine spinning, a coffee machine, or the television.
Use headphones can help you concentrate on your interlocutors.
Tip number 5: Don't look at the monitor!
Most of us can't help but constantly look at ourselves on the monitor, to see if we look good or not, to correct our posture, or simply because it's the first time we see ourselves filmed and it impacts us so much that we can't take our eyes off it.
Don't. Look straight ahead at the person you are talking to. It may be interpreted as disrespectful if you are continually looking away, as that person will perceive that you are not at all interested in what he or she is explaining.
Tip number 5: Avoid nervous tics!
Touching your hair, scratching your head, talking with your hand in your mouth, scratching your ear with your finger, and we could go on....
I assure you, it's something the rest of the video call attendees don't want to see! And although many are involuntary acts, it can be very annoying and rude. Try to detect your tics so you don't repeat them on the next video call.
Tip number 6: Dress for the occasion.
Your attire should be appropriate. Continue to dress as you did to go to the office. It would be very strange if you always wore a suit or shirt and now decide to replace it with a sweatshirt or a mountain tracksuit.
At the very least, the part of you that you are going to show in front of the camera has to be in line with what others expect from you.
If, even though you have found the perfect space, you are still afraid of video calls, read this other article where we explain you How to lose the fear of video calls
