Guide To Presenting Yourself During A Video Conference

Conducting business in 2020 is next to impossible without having to attend at least a few video conference calls. 

This is especially true considering the ongoing pandemic situation, which seems to have evolved into something that will have a permanent influence on the future of conducting business.

By now, at least this much is clear that web conferences are here to stay.

It is also clear that in future, video conferences will be where you will be making your first impression on customers, prospects, and other business associates. Therefore, it is important to learn some video conferencing etiquette to present yourself professionally during virtual business interactions.

Here are a few tips that will help you present yourself in a positive light and a professional manner during a video conference call:

Master The Technology

All web based conferences are conducted with the help of web conferencing solutions. Chances are, most of you reading this article have already used one. 

Most video conferencing tools and solutions are super user-friendly. Most features are easy to find and master. Once you do, you can utilise things like custom backgrounds and virtual whiteboards to appear professional and effectively get your message across during a video conference.

Even so, it is advisable to try your hand at the popular tools in the market. It is also a great idea to get comfortable with a tool of your choice. This way, you can invite others to join you on a conference call on a tool that you are comfortable with.

When you are comfortable with the tool, you can start thinking about presenting yourself in a virtual environment. 

Lights And Camera

Appearances play a critical role in making impressions. That’s why, it is important to make sure you are clearly and properly visible to the camera and in turn, to all the participants of your video conference.

Investing in a USB powered spotlight is highly recommended. If you don’t want to do that, Sitting face-front to a bright source of light is a great alternative.

The ‘quality’ of light is also an important component of the frame. ‘Hard’ light will create precise and sharp shadows and ‘soft’ light will create blurry and distorted shadows. Ideally, you should be looking for a bright source of soft light.

It is also important to pay attention to the position of the camera. Ideally, the camera should be at face-level, directly facing you. 

It is also important to find the right distance from the camera. Come too close and you risk becoming a distorted image on your colleague’s laptop screen.

Make A Strong Introduction

In a virtual environment, you don’t have visual or physical cues to help you make a strong first impression. A firm handshake is not available online as a subtle way to communicate confidence.

For this reason, getting your introduction right is of paramount importance.

Begin by properly introducing yourself. Unless you are absolutely sure that everyone on the conference call knows you, it is a good idea to take a short moment to introduce yourself and your role. Stay vigilant about the duration of this introduction. Remember, time is money, for everyone!

If you are present on the conference call with a team or a colleague, it is also important to take a moment to introduce them. 

Next, it is time to tell the participants about your agenda on the call. If you are hosting the call, you may also want to use this opportunity to set the expectations for the entire interaction.

Conclusion

Once you have mastered the technology, gotten the lighting and camera position right, and planned and practiced a strong introduction, you should be able to make a strong and lasting first impression.

Do you have any more tips? Share them with us in the comment section below.