How to Look Better for Zoom Calls

skin obsessed mary How to look good on zoom-01.jpg

It’s official – we are now in the era of video calls. Whether we go back to ‘normal’ or not, Zoom, Teams and Facetime is here to stay. Today I’m going to share some simple tips to help you look your best.

It’s now been 12 months since our first lockdown in Ireland and I’m starting to feel this way of life may remain. In the early months I was sort of waiting for it to pass, to equalize. But we’re back in full lockdown again and I can’t see the world returning to semblance of ‘normal’ for quite some time. So it looks like this virtual connection is here to stay.

I don’t know about you, but I’m doing at least 3 hours of zoom or video calls a day. It’s become a part of our every day lives. I’m not even talking personal calls with family in friends, but rather work-related calls.

I work as an account director for a design and branding agency a huge part of my job is interacting with my clients, generally face-to-face. It’s the part of my job I really love. But, now….it’s all being done over a computer screen. It’s not ideal, but we have to make the most of it.

However….it’s easy to blur the lines. We’re technically at home, but we’re really at work. So it’s important to remain professional.

So here are some of my tips and while they refer mostly for laptops they can also be applied to mobile devices.

Tip 1 – Find the most flattering lighting

Don’t:

Do not have light behind you, overhead or coming in from the side
All of these light positionings cause shadows on your face

Do:

Use soft, natural, diffused lighting
Make sure you’re facing the light
Use sheer curtains or partially-open blinds
Use a ring light or lamp directly behind your device

Tip 2 – Face the camera

Place camera at - or above - eye level as this minimizes a double chin or unflattering angles
Look into the camera to make eye contact as much as you can

Tip 3 – Invest time in your appearance

Hair - Make sure you’re hair is brushed and tidy. Luckily you only have to worry about the front!
Makeup – I find myself wearing a lot less makeup these days but I always wear mascara and a lip product (tinted Baby Lips Cherry Me by Maybelline is my fav) balm . These will give just a tad of colour and depth. Most people look at your eyes and your mouth when you speak.
Clothing – I’m sure is this obvious but I make sure I’m not too casual. I’m mostly likely wearing jeans/track suit bottoms and slippers but my top half is more suitable to calls with clients.
Don’t over due it though. I haven’t worn a blazer in nearly a year…

Tip 4 – Focus on sound

If you’re not using microphone (which most of us aren’t), keep your device close to minimize background noise and deliver a clearer sound.
Try to use dedicated space where you can control other sounds in the room.
Minimise ambient noise. Turn off your music/tv, put your phone on silent, keep pets in another room.

Tip 5 – Keep your background neat and tidy

This space is a reflection on you
People are learning about you as a person through your environment

Tip 6 – Minimise distractions

Don’t touch you face, hair or clothing. Don’t fidget!
Minimise your gestures (this is a particular challenge for me because I literally talk with my hands)

Tip 7 – Stay professional

It’s easy to slide into a relaxed feel of home but we need to remember that were not ‘at home’
Keep your language ‘clean’
Stay positive. During tough times it’s easy to commiserate and jump on the negative bandwagon. By staying positive it could help cheer up others.

Those are some of my top tips for putting your best food forward and staying professional while working from home. Check out my video!