Videoconferencing has become an everyday part of businesses everywhere. While in-person meetings remain an option, online conferencing allows fast and easy connectivity for people around the world. And it's smoother and more reliable than ever before.
Online meetings don't mean everyone is on their individual laptop. There are incredible hybrid options that blend videoconferencing and in-person meetings, such as Neat, a premium technology brand.
Want to make your meeting look great? Follow these tips.
Lights
Lighting is one of the most important elements for high-quality video sharing, whether you're in a meeting or recording a presentation. All cameras need light to process the images from the lens. Low light makes your pictures grainy and heavy shadows look unprofessional.
Natural lighting is a great option; keep in mind that direct sunlight can wash out your image — or make you squint. If you're inside, turning on available lights in a room or getting a desk light to direct on your face makes it easy for the camera to get a crisp image.
Camera
When it comes to video, high-quality images depend both on the quality of your camera and how you use it. A good webcam can work; be sure to place it at a height that allows for a natural-looking angle; you can also use a DSLR camera with a simple HDMI cord connected to your computer.
Keep the lens at head level from whatever your position is — sitting or standing — so it looks natural and you aren't craning your neck uncomfortably. You want to give yourself headroom (a little space from the top of your head to the top of the frame), and keep the shot centered. You'll look like a star!
Backgrounds
If you're teleconferencing from home, especially if you don't have a dedicated home office, chances are there may be some domestic clutter in the background. For informal meetings or more casual conversations, this is usually no big deal. But when you're on an important business call or presenting to an audience, you definitely want the backdrop of your setting to look nice.
Don't have time to clean or rearrange decor? There are excellent background filters you can use on your conferencing platforms. You could give a lecture from the beach or share your insights from a mountain cabin. The possibilities are endless. Be cautious with “blur” effects, though, as this can cause eye strain and headaches in some people. A static background always looks good and doesn't distract your audience.
Whichever platform you use, keep these three things in mind so you can share the best image of yourself.
