We put together a few tips that you can use during these Microsoft team and zoom meetings so that you can represent yourself in the best way!

Source Credit: Harvard Business Review

Frame yourself wisely

Proximity plays a big part in how audiences perceive you as a communicator. The farther away or more obscured you appear, the less engaging you will be. In a video conference, your head and the top of your shoulders should dominate the screen.

If your head is cut off at the top or bottom, you’re too close. If your entire torso is in view, you’re too far away. If only half of your head is in sight, please adjust the camera.

Focus on your camera, not your colleagues

Direct eye contact is a vital way to reinforce your point. In a video conference, this means knowing where your camera is on your computer and looking into it. Some are on top of the monitor, others are on the bottom. Try to elevate your computer accordingly so that the camera is about equal to your eye level when you’re sitting (or standing) comfortably. A stack of books works great to prop up a laptop.

Speaking into a cold black circle will not feel natural or comfortable — as humans, we’re trained to look at the people we’re talking to — but know that entertainers and politicians have been doing it for decades.

Find the best spot in your house

Locate yourself next to a window, if possible, to utilize natural light. This will avoid the yellowish tint incandescent bulbs tend to create, and eliminate “raccoon” shadows under the eyes and nose that overhead lighting often makes. But remember not to point your computer into the light, because this will cause glare and flare. You can face your window, but a computer should not.

Be present and mindful

Try not to multi-task! This is the one opportunity that our team gets to meet with each other and discuss how our organization is moving forward during this time. You may be tempted to check your email or attend to other work, but multi-tasking is perilous because you don’t want to be caught unprepared if asked a question.

Especially when speaking, it’s also nice to have your video on so that you can directly connect with the rest of the people on the call.

Don’t become your own distraction

Stay on mute whenever you’re not speaking and unmute yourself only when you do speak. Staying on mute shuts out sudden noises as well as routine noises you may not be aware of, like the ticking of a wall clock, the clickety-clack of your typing, or your family in the background.

Make sure to turn off your camera when you’re doing something visually distracting as well, such as moving to another room or eating. Drinking is okay, but chewing is another story.