Zoomerang - 11 ways to get the best out of a virtual business meeting.

As a photographer I tend to see things that others might ignore or pass over. During the past couple months I've been in many virtual meetings on Zoom, FaceTime and others. Here are my observations and suggestions for a better business meeting visual experience - mostly for your viewers.

1. Environment - have a 'clean' background; take things off your desk if it will show during the meeting.

I suggest a neat, professional background with your logo or something specific to your business. What does your business do/sell?  Think about featuring a product, tools used to sell your product or even a display or picture in the background. If you have nothing you want to feature, be sure the background has a professional, organized office feel. 

2. Sound – Please mute when you're not speaking if you have anything in the background that could interrupt or detract from your conversation, particularly if you are on a call with multiple participants. Pets, dishwasher, kids, mates, loud TV, Amazon delivery etc. are interrupters. There is nothing worse than being called out for disruption on a group call. Use a lavaliere, microphone or dial in if your device doesn't have good sound.
3. Lighting - Have any lights in front of you and/or on the side, not behind you.
1. A trick you can use to light up under your chin is to have something white or bright under your face. You could cover a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil that will reflect lights. You'd be amazed how it will light up your face and make any shadows appear more even. 
2. If you have a wall paper background on the computer that is in color think about changing that to something neutral. Colors will reflect back on you. It's never a good thing to look sickly yellow, sea sick green, or putrid purple. 
3. Good neutral light coming from your computer will light you up.
4. Computer - Work on the resolution of the image you are projecting. It's really difficult to focus on a person when it looks like their head just exploded in a pixelated image. You may need to check on-line for your particular computer to make adjust the resolution your viewers can see.
5. Your face - Smile as much as you can and use natural expression to show you are engaged (for example nodding yes in agreement). There are times when we just have to relax particularly when we're in learning and listening mode. A smile will make you and your viewer happier.
6. Clothes - Wear them! Tank tops, bustiers, sheer blouses, and logo shirts (except with your company logo) are not professional. Wear what you would wear meeting in person even with peers, employees and business groups. It's polite and appropriate. It will also lift your spirits.
7. Motion - Stay still. It's so distracting if you can be seen rocking in your chair or swiveling around to do something else. If you need to use the bathroom or grab some water, PLEASE hide the video and audio! Walking around (easy to do with mobile phones) is a clear message to those in the meeting that you are not interested.  It is rude. 
8. Equipment - Have your mobile equipment on a stable platform; directly in front of you if possible. Your lap is not stable plus you'll generally be looking down which can serve to only enhance a double chin! If you're using mobile phone get a desktop tripod. They're inexpensive and will save you a lot of aggravation trying to lean your device up against a pile of books. I've found that sitting at my computer desk makes for a much better experience for me and my client(s). 
9. Camera - Look into the camera, stay centered and fill the 'square' with your face. At least 50% of your face should be on the screen. Avoid the camera drift if you're on a mobile device. It's distracting to see only half of your face or worse yet none of your face. NOTE: If you have a dual screen or portable camera attached, please place the camera above the screen that you will be looking at so the person feels you are engaged instead of wondering why you are looking away. Do your best to look at the camera instead of at your screens. 
10. Attention - Pay attention to who is speaking. Move your eyes to where the person speaking is on the screen if that view is available to you. Thumbs up in agreement or nodding, smiling and even frowning if confused are all signs of engagement and will help the speaker.
11. Don't interrupt when someone is speaking. It takes a lot to hold back when we have something to say, particularly in large groups when many have their audio on. Use the mute button, the raise your hand button and chat option when appropriate.  The chat is especially helpful to the host if you let them know you have a question, need clarification, or if you feel there is something important that you would like to add. There are a whole new set of politeness rules that we all learning.

These are a few of the things I think about or will be thinking about especially making sure the image my viewers sees is as crisp as possible. 

If you have ideas to add to this list please send them my way and I will share in a subsequent email. Preparation, engagement, politeness and creating a nice environment will help not only you, but make the most of your viewers experience of you and the topic of discussion.