Buzz
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom calls became an indispensable part of workplaces, classrooms, and family interactions. Zoom software serves as a convenient replacement for face-to-face meetings, but it’s crucial to maintain a neat and professional appearance. Before joining your next call, take a few minutes to prepare so you look your best throughout the meeting!
Steps
Choose your camera position and lighting
Reposition yourself so the light faces you. Check the lighting in the area where you usually attend Zoom meetings. Are you facing toward or away from the window? Whenever possible, adjust your seating so you face the window. Natural light will help you appear sharp and clear on camera.
- If you’re facing away from the window, sunlight can make your video look poor.
Place two lights behind your computer if you’re not near a window. Don’t worry if your home lacks natural light. Make the most of what you have by positioning two lights behind your laptop or tablet. This setup ensures you appear well-lit on camera without blinding other participants in the call.
- Ideally, place the lights at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions facing your face—not behind the computer.
- Small lamps work best.
Position the camera at eye level and centered. Adjust your laptop, tablet, or phone camera so it aligns with your eye level. If the camera is too low, your image won’t look flattering. Instead, stack books or sturdy objects under your webcam or tablet until the camera is at the right angle.
- If the camera is too low, your face may appear to have a double chin on screen.
Sit in front of a simple background. Choose a spot free from distractions like stacks of papers or clutter. Opt for a plain wall with minimal decor or simple items like a bookshelf. A clean background helps you appear more professional on camera.
- For example, position the camera in front of a plain wall without distractions like a TV.
Sit at least an arm’s length away from the camera. Keep in mind that many cameras have wide-angle lenses, which can distort your appearance if you sit too close. Instead, move back slightly so your entire face fits within the frame. Ideally, position yourself directly in front of the camera but not too close.
- Adjust the camera so your eyes are in the top third of the screen, with a little space above your head. Your shoulders should be at the bottom of the frame.
Use a virtual background if your actual backdrop is messy. Open the Zoom settings and click or tap on “Virtual Background.” Choose one of Zoom’s provided images or upload your own to use as a backdrop. It’s important to select an image that enhances your video without being distracting.
- For instance, you could use a family vacation photo or another suitable image as your background.
- A garden or park scene works better than a crowded beach or overly detailed image.
Check your appearance
Dress up and prepare for the day as you normally would. Follow your usual morning routine as if you were attending an in-person meeting. Shower and put on professional attire, such as a blazer, collared shirt, or button-up. Avoid wearing pajamas all day—while comfortable, they can make you appear less professional during Zoom calls.
- You don’t need to change your entire outfit! Focus on looking presentable from the waist up, as this is what others will see. However, if you plan to stand during the meeting, change into a full outfit.
Wear a solid-colored, bright top to look good on camera. Choose an attractive solid-colored top, such as blue, red, green, teal, or another vibrant shade. Avoid dark colors like black or bold patterns, such as black-and-white stripes or floral prints—these often don’t translate well on camera and won’t enhance your appearance.
- For example, a black top or leopard-print shirt may not look appealing on screen.
Blot oil to avoid looking sweaty. Use oil-absorbing sheets to remove shine from your skin. Keep your skin matte throughout the call to avoid appearing oily.
- You can find oil-absorbing sheets online or at most beauty stores.
Even out your skin tone with tinted moisturizer if desired. Apply a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturizer to your cheeks, forehead, nose, or uneven areas. Before starting the call, ensure the product is blended evenly to maintain a professional look.
- Tinted moisturizers are available at beauty stores.
Use powder to prevent sweat. Find a translucent powder that matches your skin tone for an even finish. Apply it to your cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, or other oily areas. For a smooth look, use a large brush to blend the powder evenly.
- You can purchase translucent powder at beauty stores.
- Powder is a great solution for everyone, even if you don’t typically wear makeup.
Apply lip balm if your lips are dry. Check your lips to see if they’re dry or cracked. If they need attention, apply a layer of lip balm before joining the call.
- For a more polished look, try a tinted lip balm or lip gloss.
Enable the 'touch up my appearance' setting on Zoom for an instant polished look. Open the settings menu in the Zoom app. Select 'video' and toggle on the 'touch up my appearance' option. This feature smooths out imperfections and adds a subtle 'makeup' effect to your appearance.
- This is a great option when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for makeup.
Review your appearance before going live. Use the video preview setting to check how you look before joining the call. Take a moment to ensure your outfit looks neat and your appearance is polished. If you’re not satisfied, take a couple of minutes to make adjustments before the meeting starts.
Tips
- If the lighting in your room isn’t ideal, try covering your lamps with yellow or pink sticky notes to create a more natural skin tone on camera.
- Always mute your microphone unless you’re speaking during the meeting. You never know what background noises might come through!
- Upgrade your webcam if it’s built into your computer. If your current camera is only 720p, consider investing in a USB webcam that can be attached to your desktop or laptop. This will help you look more polished and professional during video calls.
