10 tips to look more professional on Zoom calls

They will help you go from this:

To this 🤩😎!

#1 Set up the Best Lighting

This is the most important thing to do!
The best way to do is to set up your computer or phone in front of a window.
By doing so, your face & upper body will enlightened by natural & homogeneous light.
If the light is too harsh, soften it by closing your net curtains if necessary.

If you cannot move your computer, find a lamp with a shade and a white or day light bulb (not a yellow one).
You set it up behind your camera on it, et voilà!

And here is what you want to avoid:
- Direct backlight: you become a dark area, unrecognizable.
- Direct overhead light: shadows appear under your eyes, nose & chin… not flattering.

#2 Be aware of your Background

The best background is plain & simple, like a plain wall without any/much decoration.
The idea is to avoid distraction caused by a large bookcase or a colorful piece of art for example.

As the angle of your computer camera is large, the screen might included a lot behind you… like the couch with the pile of laundry waiting to be folded.
And even if this is most of us’ reality, we all want to avoid a messy (back)ground. So let’s pick up things on the couch / floor & close the visible doors.

You can choose to use a virtual background too if you’re running out of options.

#3 Put a DND sign (Do Not Disturb)

If you have kids, a partner or a roommate, let them know you’ll be on a video call & you can’t be disturbed during this time. Keep them busy (& safe) 😋.
If you have pets, make sure they can’t access the space you’re having the online meeting in.

Make sure this is understood / planned ahead, in order to avoid having to stand up & pick up kids/pet/partner & take them out of the room!

#4 Set up the Best Position & Posture

With easy tricks, you can avoid the followings:

- Double chin: Just set up your camera higher!
The lens needs to be higher than the eye level but not higher than your head: at your hair line will be perfect.
If you are using a laptop or a monitor, put it on a large book.
If you are using a smartphone, use a tripod or a selfie stick. I use a two-in-one for phone & I love it!

- Face distorted: because the lenses are wide-angle lenses, the closer you stand, the larger your face / nose / nostril will be.
The trick is just to keep the camera about an arm away.

- Shoulders down: this is the natural evolution… we all tend to slide down the chair or on the desk 😜.
By sitting on the edge of the chair, your back will be straight & you’ll appear engaged & interested.
Ideally, the thighs make a 90° angle with the upper body.

#5 What to Wear

The following recommendations are stylist-approved by Chrissy Ramski-Güleç, also known The StyleIST:

- Color on top or a white t-shirt with a nice (suit) jacket
- Plain color rather that Desigual colors 😋
- Mat fabric rather than shinny fabric

And let’s avoid:
- Black & white
- Logos
- Fluo colors
- Stripes, lines
- Low-cut tops

And let’s go one step further: let’s make sure your top is not competing with your background (real or virtual).

Keep this in your mind: pick comfortable items! Not itchy, not too small (compressing), not too big (uncovering your shoulder), not too fussy (need to be adjusted continuously).
Not too comfortable either (pajamas & sport clothes ⛔️😬).

If you feel like it, you can add simple jewelry, like small earrings or a light necklace.

Be aware that if your glasses don’t have an anti-reflection effect, they will reflect your screen & make your eyes invisible.

One more thing: If (and only if) you remember to ALWAYS switch off the camera before standing up, you don’t have to worry about the bottom 🤣.
Well, in real life, we all end up jumping up to catch the cat or the kid or the partner 🤪, to adjust the curtain because of the sun or to open the door to the delivery guy.
So don’t forget to wear a suitable bottom 👖🩳🩲😇!

#6 Do your Hair & Make-up

As it is part of the most basic morning routine, to do your hair is not a surprise.
But for you who is used to touch/play with your hair, you might want to attach it with a ponytail or a headband.

If you never wear make-up, there is ONE thing that will make a huge difference on video calls: Powder!
It will mattify a shiny skin, which can appear faster than we think with the screen light.

Otherwise, you can use the classic combo foundation + mascara + light lipstick.
Definitely no need here for an “Evening make-up”, let’s keep it simple.

#7 Get the Best Sound

If the quality of the sound is low, participants will not have a good experience of you speaking and YOU won’t have your message being heard!

This can be changed easily by using the microphone sold with your smartphone or by purchasing a lavalier microphone.
For this former, not need to actually wear it: having it on the table just in front of it will work.

#8 Pay Attention (for real)

Don’t get distracted by notifications on your phone, so let’s put it away, on silent mode 💤.
Close all the other windows on your computer to avoid your attention getting attracted by a new email in your inbox.
Put distracting things away from your desk.

If you’re using your phone, make sure you switch off all the notifications & set up your devise on DND if possible.

Now, I have a question. Have you ever heard about the Resting Bitch Face ?
Yes, it is a real thing, with a wikipedia page & some articles about it.
Think about Kristen Steward or Kanye West… You see?

The definition is “A facial expression that unintentionally appears as if a person is angry, annoyed, irritated, or contemptuous, particularly when the individual is relaxed, resting or not expressing any particular emotion.”
Sounds familiar 😜?

The only solution is to actively create a more positive facial expression. A slight smile, a little smirk will do it.
This will show you’re doing good, you’re engaged into the conversation, you’re here with them.

#9 Do a test run before the show begins

Just like you would work on what you want to say, let’s make sure you show what you want to show.

You might realize your camera lens is dirty (use a small clean & soft cloth, like the ones for the glasses).
You might spot a little stain on your shirt.
You might discover your camera isn’t straight.

Just to make sure everything is ready for the show 💃.

#10 Don’t forget your Profile Picture

If you need to leave the meeting for a few minutes, it is strongly advised to mute both camera & sound.
So, other participants will see your profile picture.

It’d be too bad to show a holiday picture or anything not-so- professional when you’ve been working hard using all the tips above 😎!
So pick up a professional portrait as a Zoom profile picture to be consistent with who you are professionally.

That’s all Folks!

I hope you will use these tips & feel and look great during your Zoom meeting.
A big thank you to Chrissy, the StyleIST, for her professional advices!

I wish you all the best & loads of success!

Please comment & share 🤩!


PS: You may know me as a Family Photographer. I also work with entrepreneurs to create their business portraits, consistently with their brand… and their ambition!
So if you need to work on your image, get in touch with me here!