Look Good on Zoom. (Yes, It's Possible!)
People need to take you seriously if you want them to trust you – even buy from you. So check your teeth and brush your hair, we’re going to do better on Zoom.
Your first question is likely:
Why should I bother? Everyone knows Zoom is stupid.
Do they, though?
The early pandemic shenanigans of kids in the background and cat butts flashing on the screen were humorous. But not so much now. As we approach two years of WFH and more companies are starting to outline hybrid work options, those people at home for meetings will need to show up and be present from here on out.
I’ll show up, but I’m turning the camera off!
NO! (Sorry to yell, but I’m serious about this.)
Don’t do that. Especially all my ladies out there. When you turn the camera off you sacrifice your communications leverage.
Hybrid work can be seriously advantageous for women pursuing a better work-life balance, but that makes being an effective communicator on Zoom deeply important to make sure you don’t fall behind and you aren’t overlooked for promotion in the company.
Overall it’s a power move to have your video on when you are at a work event or presentation.
Turning on the camera shows co-workers that you care and are engaged in presentation or meetings that are happening in real time
The quality of discussions with both teammates and colleagues is better with video on
We form authentic bonds with our teammates when we have video on for work activities and interactions
Video builds trust with potential clients
You do better and pay attention better when the video is on
Even if it’s a massive meeting, rest assured there is someone who is taking role.
BE COUNTED.
OK fine. What do I have to do?
Let’s look at the ways being through the camera is different than being in person.
Well, there are some things are great about it and other aspects that pull on that Zoom anxiety, so let’s break it down for a second.
On the good side, there’s no commute! That’s funny in part, but consider how many times in the past you might have run into a meeting stressed and late because your car wouldn’t start, or traffic, or parking, or you broke a heel on the escalator…I mean, good riddance to all of that right?
Also, for those dealing with anxiety about speaking in front of a group, be it hundreds at a time or even just with your team, Zoom allows you to be in a comfortable and safe place, right? You’re in your home where the temperature is just as you like it, you’re not standing in heels, and no one is eating your lunch from the fridge. It’s YOUR space and you are in charge. That is just delightful.
Now, the thing you have to learn to adapt to through Zoom is that with the removal of all the crazy of the outside world…no more traffic, no more heels, etc…all the energy and attention that surrounds every meeting is suddenly concentrated to HERE. (zooms in with hands to face)
It’s all right in the little screen. So pay attention
Oh geez…but I haven’t showered.
You don’t have to look like professional on-air talent before speaking up in a group meeting. Brush your hair, put on some low-shine lip gloss, and push the “Touch Up My Appearance” slider all the way over. (Zoom > Preferences > Video >) You can do this.
My environment looks bad on camera.
Most people don’t have a fireplace and an all white living room to provide a lovely background. Personally, I sit back-to-back with my husband in our office/daughter’s room. Therefore, I use a reasonable (if aspirational) background I call my “Santa Barbra” home. And I acknowledge if flat out in 1:1 meetings. The most important thing here is to not be distracting. In a big call, all they care about it that you fill up ¾ of the screen with your face.
Alternately, Amazon has multiple price points for green screens. They will vastly improve Zoom’s own virtual background options, so you don’t ghost in and out. A green screen does need to be well it, though. And you probably don’t want to be taking that sucker up and down every night. If you have a way to leave it up, brilliant. If, though, your husband works behind you and would resent having a green screen pinned to his back, stick with virtual.
If you just need to spruce up your own space, use a plant or flowers to to add some depth behind you.
What else do I have to do?
Fix your lighting. If you don’t have natural light around you, clip a ring light in front of you. Or, if you wear glasses, use small pillar lights to the side of your computer. A small table light without a shade will also add nice light to your room.
You don’t need to set up like you are vlogging for your life, but you do need to be seen.
PUT THE CAMERA AT EYE LEVEL. (Again, sorry to yell, but I’m super serious about this one.)
Ladies, you can be 6’5” instead of 5’6” on screen and own the room if you will just fill the upper third of screen with your face. Look people directly in the eye.
It’s your authority for the taking.
In “Santa Barbara”
Simple virtual background
Gloss on
Natural light (probably could add the ring, too.)
Camera at eye level-looking right in the lens…like a boss.
