How to conference like a boss, and look good doing it
When working from home it is important to present yourself as professional as you are face-to-face. Ambiance plays a big role in that, and a clutter-free stage-set makes you look a pro.
Let’s build you one!
Step 1: Set the stage
Noisy kids and barking dogs are a norm, but conferencing from a coffee table or over a kitchen sink may not work in your favor. Not everyone has a spare office room at home but surely there is a blank wall that can serve as a clean, clutter-free stage backdrop. Light reflects well of bright surfaces, and will reduce the shadow effect caused by warm color hues. Reduce the amount of objects behind you but be proud of your achievements; showcase them behind you to establish your dominance in your field.
Step 2: Roll camera, speed sound…
Show your face.
Let the audience in, bring them closer.
Adjust your posture, and look into the camera. Fill the frame. Body language is as important on camera as it is in physical life. Be animated and smile a lot. Show humility, and directly engage your audience by looking at them, not to the side of them. We look people in the eye when talking to them, look into the eye of the camera to achieve the same result virtually.
Dim lights, gloomy atmosphere, unattractive backdrop do not work in your favor. Consider that most laptops have horrible camera and microphone hardware. Cheap cameras are bad at picking up light. You will not look your best and may be hard to hear. Plenty of natural light is the best way, and neon lights will make you look like a prisoner.
I suggest a cheap but adjustable selfie light and good aftermarket camera with good microphone as an alternative to built-in hardware on your device.
I made you a shopping list here of the tools I use
Web Conferencing Light and Camera with Built-in Microphone
$100 investment may make a big difference in quality of your overall presentation. Buy on Amazon
Before and after. Results may vary (for those who know me)
Step 3: Optimize your tools
Polish your conference tool profile
Many conferencing tools have options that allow you to present yourself in the best light possible. It is a good practice to go beyond the default settings and configure your virtual conference room.
Promote your brand
Many people remember faces but not names or voices. In your conferencing tool, upload a headshot to show as an icon, or an image when you talk. A headshot goes a long way from an ‘empty user image’, a picture of your pet or favorite activity.
What’s this meeting about?
Name your conference room to reflect the subject matter. Many conferencing tools allow virtual rooms to have custom titles and descriptions. Most importantly provide an agenda and set expectations ahead of the call. Keep your audience small, Try to make it a collaborative affair. Avoid doing all the talking yourself. If you’re presenting, pause to ask if everyone is still following or if there are any questions.
Beep! who joined?
Mute notifications in conferencing tools. Silence the join beeps and mute participant phones. Apple has gone a step beyond with its ‘Do Not Disturb’ button that holds all notifications from popping up when sharing a screen. Some messages that pop up on the screen during sharing may be rather undesired.
You’re not sharing $#@%!
It is best to share the content by app, but if you must toggle between apps, be aware that the participants will see a gray screen. We know Powerpoint seems to be THE tool for web conferencing. Be aware of users and their ability to see your content. Show your slides in presentation mode. If using multiple screens toggle the presenter notes to a screen that is not being shared.
Use visuals to emphasize your key points
Share your slides to illustrate your key points and represent complex information, but dont make them too wordy, and dont just read whats on them. Your talking points should expand beyond the bullets on your PowerPoint.
Control your voice
Because some of your audience may be listening to your presentation with low-quality audio or video, it’s important to enunciate and pace your words carefully. Don’t be afraid to pause for emphasis.
There are many articles out there that dive deeper into how to make amazing presentations and keep audience engaged.