You have probably already had the experience where you take a photograph of someone’s face with the window or another light source behind them. Surely you remember the result: it was impossible to see the face because it was completely black. The same thing can also happen to you during a video call. The video camera, just like the photo camera, will focus on the light source and the rest of the picture will remain in the shadow. All you need is a window or lamp behind you and the colleagues or business partners that you are calling will not be able to see you at all. And because of this unnecessary mistake you will make a bad impression, which will then be very hard to fix. So how should you prepare an appropriate video calling environment?
First of all, set up the camera so that it is aimed at your face. Check what the picture looks like. If there is a window behind you, close the drapes. Also focus on what else, besides your face, is visible in the shot. The environment from which you are calling should look professional. Remove any inappropriate items that may be behind or around you and make sure that nobody interrupts you during the call. Persons walking through the picture do not make the best impression. Before you start the call, dress and tidy up just like for a regular meeting.
Do not forget eye contact during the video call itself. Looking eye to eye through a web camera isn’t as easy as many people think. If you are looking into the eyes of the person that you see on the screen, then in reality you are not looking into this person’s eyes. You must look directly at the camera. You do not have to maintain eye contact non-stop, but do look at the camera when you greet the other person and when you convey key information.
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