Polishing Your Zoom Image

Suddenly we are all meeting on Zoom. Even though everyone knows you are working from home, it is still important to project a professional image. And that requires a lot more than combing your hair and putting on a nice shirt. Your face has become part of the image of your company.

Check the Lighting

Don’t have a window or bright light behind you – that will cause your face to be dark, you may even appear as a silhouette. Avoid having strong direct light shining on your face – that will wash out your face. Usually having light from a ceiling fixture that is many feet in front of you will provide pleasant lighting for your face.

Check the Background

Take a look at what is behind you. Looking homey is good for family zoom calls, but for business meetings it is NOT OK to have beds, kitchen counters or children’s toys in the background. Bookcases, plants, or a wall with artwork all create a professional image. If you use a notebook computer, tablet or phone, move around to find a place with a pleasant background. With a stationary computer your best option may be to create a virtual space with a virtual background.

Creating a Virtual Background

Find a photo you would like as your background.
Open Zoom and select “join using video”.
In the bottom left corner of the screen find the icon of a camera and click on the arrow next to it. Then select “Choose virtual background.”
Follow the prompts to add your selected photo. You can actually upload several photos and have them available to choose from each time you join a meeting. Don’t wear a color that is similar to the background you selected or part of your body may get chopped off as you move.

Ideas for backgrounds: Photos of the exterior of your business, interior of your business, your logo or a branding image all make great backgrounds and help promote your brand. Or have fun and make the background topical for a specific meeting. Older computers may need there to be a green screen behind you to have good image quality. (search online for “portable green screen” cost about $60)

What to Wear

Like it or not, you are now a TV personality. The good news is that your clothes are only going to show from the waist up. Avoid wearing…white, big patterns, or shiny fabric. Also avoid dressing in a color that is similar to the background you will use. Women – basic daytime makeup, especially lipstick or gloss will make you look healthy. Men – yes you need to shave.

Pretend You are a News Broadcaster

Sit still, try not to sway from side to side. Movements are exaggerated on screen. Small movements, like nodding or tipping your head, work OK. Get papers or things you might need on the desk in front of you before going online. Smile!