Here’s a few tips on how to communicate effectively on-camera whether you’re hosting a webinar or a Skype conference or conducting a sales or business presentation.
1. LIGHTING
Never rely on just the light from the computer. Instead, use daylight balanced light to even out your skin tones. Lighting yourself from the front will keep shadows from falling on your face.
2. BACKGROUND
Whatever is visible behind you can be visually distracting. Be aware of what is in the “shot,” and be sure to keep your background as clean and simple as you can. A mess behind you or on a bookshelf can send a negative message about you. If you have a blank white wall, consider adding a plant for some visual interest.
3. WARDROBE
Make sure your clothing is ironed, clean, and well-fitting. Try to wear solid colors, but watch out for black and white clothing, which can be problematic. Clothing with small prints or hound’s-tooth patterns can “vibrate” on video. Also, avoid jewelry that can clank against the table and make noise.
4. MAKEUP
Whether you’re male or female, DO NOT SHINE!
A shiny face or forehead can be distracting and send a wrong message that you are nervous. Please use some pressed powder to remove the shine.
5. HAIR
Please make sure you check that your hair isn’t sticking up or out. It can be extremely distracting!
6. BODY LANGUAGE
Don’t slump in your chair or stand with poor posture.
When seated, you should sit on the forward third of the chair bottom with your legs at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor. Sitting this way keeps your diaphragm free so that you can breathe properly and speak dynamically. It also gives you a firm base, thereby reducing any unnecessary movement.
When standing, place your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms comfortably at your side. To stand up straight, imagine that there is a string attached to the top of your head pulling it up.
Movement on camera can be very distracting. Try not to weight shift but use gestures to enhance your performance.
7. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Unless you are delivering bad news, you should smile. Smiling not only warms up your visual presentation, it also warms up your voice.
If you want to appear approachable, you can nod your head while speaking. If you want to appear credible, keep your head still and slightly drop your chin at the end of your sentences.
8. EYE CONTACT
Make sure that you look directly into the camera lens. If you can’t see your clients,visualise them sitting across from you as you look into the camera.Keeping a steady eye line really connects you with your audience.
Of course, no matter what and above all else ….ALWAYS BE YOURSELF!
1. LIGHTING
Never rely on just the light from the computer. Instead, use daylight balanced light to even out your skin tones. Lighting yourself from the front will keep shadows from falling on your face.
2. BACKGROUND
Whatever is visible behind you can be visually distracting. Be aware of what is in the “shot,” and be sure to keep your background as clean and simple as you can. A mess behind you or on a bookshelf can send a negative message about you. If you have a blank white wall, consider adding a plant for some visual interest.
3. WARDROBE
Make sure your clothing is ironed, clean, and well-fitting. Try to wear solid colors, but watch out for black and white clothing, which can be problematic. Clothing with small prints or hound’s-tooth patterns can “vibrate” on video. Also, avoid jewelry that can clank against the table and make noise.
4. MAKEUP
Whether you’re male or female, DO NOT SHINE!
A shiny face or forehead can be distracting and send a wrong message that you are nervous. Please use some pressed powder to remove the shine.
5. HAIR
Please make sure you check that your hair isn’t sticking up or out. It can be extremely distracting!
6. BODY LANGUAGE
Don’t slump in your chair or stand with poor posture.
When seated, you should sit on the forward third of the chair bottom with your legs at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor. Sitting this way keeps your diaphragm free so that you can breathe properly and speak dynamically. It also gives you a firm base, thereby reducing any unnecessary movement.
When standing, place your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms comfortably at your side. To stand up straight, imagine that there is a string attached to the top of your head pulling it up.
Movement on camera can be very distracting. Try not to weight shift but use gestures to enhance your performance.
7. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Unless you are delivering bad news, you should smile. Smiling not only warms up your visual presentation, it also warms up your voice.
If you want to appear approachable, you can nod your head while speaking. If you want to appear credible, keep your head still and slightly drop your chin at the end of your sentences.
8. EYE CONTACT
Make sure that you look directly into the camera lens. If you can’t see your clients,visualise them sitting across from you as you look into the camera.Keeping a steady eye line really connects you with your audience.
Of course, no matter what and above all else ….ALWAYS BE YOURSELF!