Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak evolved, more and more companies switched to online platforms to continue their operations. Most of them turned to Zoom which is a video conferencing tool that allows the employees to interact with each other and conduct meetings online.
So, if you are working from home during this pandemic, chances are you may be using Zoom for the first time, and you are not alone. It is not as if you are video calling someone for the first time, but spending hours looking at your colleagues via Zoom conference is another thing. After all, applications have different ways and operations. You may feel intimidated at first, wondering do I really look this bad in real? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way.
With a few tips and tricks, you make your video meetings a little less weird and more effective. Read through the article to know how you can make yourself the video call MVP you were meant to be.
7 Tips to Use Zoom like a Pro
1. Light Up Your Face
The first thing one notices in a video call is the lightening and clarity of the video. If you are sitting in a dark room with your shades on, chances are you won’t get the attention you need and wouldn’t appear good to the viewer. So, experts recommend to let the natural light pour in from the front. Otherwise, if you are using a light source, keep it at a distance of not more than 45 degrees for a better result. Also, note that your screen’s brightness options play a great role in reflecting your real self. So, before you come in front of others, make sure everything is on point with proper lightening to blow out the highlights on your face.
2. Lift Your Camera
At times, you have the proper setup but the camera angle makes you look bad in front of others. The only way to talk on a video call is by placing the camera at your eye level. Not too high or not too low. If you are sitting on a table, it is definitely going to be lower than your face. So, use some books or any other flat surface to raise the laptop or the camera itself for a better angle. Moreover, whatever you use, ensure that it is stiff enough to hold your device. You won’t like it when your support falls during a meeting and your boss sees you going from a composed to a panic mode.
3. Test Your Video before the Real Call
You understand that you are going to go live in a few minutes where multiple people will be staring at you while you speak. So, since this is your chance to look flawless, you need to compose yourself meaning, your surroundings, posture, hair, lightening and everything must be on point. Zoom provides you with the facility to preview your video before you join a meeting to check how everything looks. However, once the video call starts, it is recommended to turn off your preview as it sometimes distracts your focus from the main issue. You can do that by clicking your video and choosing the ‘hide myself’ option. After this, you may forget you are on camera so avoid touching your hair or setting the camera angle at all times.
4. Find a Suitable Meeting Place
There are sounds other than your own voice that are uncontrollable. Taking calls in loud or noisy locations can disturb you and distract the other person from the real objective. Therefore, it is better to join a meeting when you are in the right place that is quiet with no one around so that you can focus in peace. Moreover, using headphones that have built-in microphones can help transmit your voice in the clearest form. If you want to check your mic beforehand, the application allows the user to perform a test in the settings. Following the basic video calling etiquettes, you can also mute your mic when you are not speaking. You might be used to of the noises around you, but no one else is.
5. Get Comfortable
Similar to traditional meetings, once you join the conference room you are not allowed to leave as you wish. So, start with choosing the most comfortable spot in your home where you can sit for countless hours without getting bored or tired. As most people prefer their beds, you may not be able to sit cross-legged for more than 20 minutes. If that is the case, you can use your standing table as a meeting space. Regardless of the place you decide, you need to set your charger and make sure of the proper angle of lightening for the best experience. Also, you can bring your coffee mugs or snacks with you in case the meeting is too long and you can’t control your hunger.
6. Make Eye Contact
Even though your colleagues are only present in front of you virtually, you still need to maintain eye contact with them. This is because if you talk while looking at your surroundings, it will only set up a bad impression of you and some may question your confidence. To have a more meaningful and interactive session, you need to direct eye contact through the camera. This gives attendees the feeling that you are attentive and listening to whatever they are saying. However, you must place the camera and the monitor right in front of your eye-level so that you are able to make eye contact and observe their reactions all in one go.
7. Practice Good Video Conferencing Manners
You don’t want to be that employee because of whom the meeting started late or ended late. Thus, it is important to learn a few video meeting ethics to represent the best version of yourself even from home. If you show up on time, give productive input and pay attention to what others have to say, you are only on your way to professional success. The labels will not only strengthen your professional standing but also let you live a scheduled and organised life.
All in all, despite the situations, everyone wants to look good whether they are video calling for meeting the person in real life. Today, the most commonly used videoconferencing tool – Zoom has now added millions of new users to its portal as more businesses are pushing for work from home and even essay help online services are considering this option. Now that you are in a similar situation, with all your work-related meetings to be conducted online, these few tricks can help you do video calling with ease. For starters, you need a good camera, a better source of light and a peaceful environment to get yourself ready for the meeting.
If you are new to virtual meetings and need extra support, Zoom has its resource guide ready for you. It includes the basic functionalities and some more tips to make your Zoom conference more efficient and memorable.
