7 Expert Tips To Look Super Confident On A Video Call

Do you know how quick first and lasting impressions are formed?

Well, as per researchers first impressions are formed within the first 7 seconds of meeting a person physically or virtually. What is this first impression? These are non-verbal clues that project a person appropriate and authentic.

In this digital era, day in and out we have meetings with clients, making presentations, team interaction all done virtually. Though your actions are limited it is important to create a trustworthy and confident impression for your clients and colleagues to rely on you and your business. So, let’s get started.

1. Dress to Success: I personally believe ”Looking good and feeling good is the first step to Success”. Our thoughts and actions are based on how we feel. Wearing a crisp, neatly pressed, and clean clothes can boost your confidence. Wrinkled or stained clothing can be a great distraction and should be avoided. Some job roles demand to suit up, dress up accordingly. Avoid any missing button, deformed design details, or loose threads.

2. Look the Part: Never forget to wear your smile. Imagine yourself going for a live one-one meeting, your body language can communicate misleading messages. Straighten your shoulders, do not slouch. Keep your hands to the side of your body. Bending  over to look into your screen, hands folded behind your head, supporting your hand to rest your face is a big NO-NO

3. It’s not what you say, but how you say it: Choose a quiet or less noisy place. Exchanging positive greetings can be a good conversation starter. Pay attention to your tone and pitch. Make sure to check on the audio quality of the gadgets you use. Do not raise your voice if you have any disagreeing views. Communicate clearly and at a normal pace.

4. May the Light Shine!: In a virtual call, your face is going to be the main point of focus, so it is important to be visually available. When it comes to lighting, nothing can beat the natural source of light. Set your desk in a well-lit place, which can be beside a window or close to the balcony. If you are in a closed room sitting in the opposite direction to your room light can bring focus to your face.

5. Fit into the frame: Maintain your presence within the frame of your laptop or mobile. Your camera should be parallel to your eye level. Keep an arms distance between you and your gadget. If you are a person who loves to use hand gestures to express your thoughts, do it within the frame of your gadget. Keeping too close or too far from the screen loses the purpose.

6. Eye contact: During the conversation never forget to look into the camera and talk. Turning away from the camera or looking on the other side can lead to miscommunication. Make sure you have good eye contact as if you are in front of that person physically. If there is more than one participant, shift your view to the person you are in conversation with and occasionally glance over the others too.

7. Less in the new MORE: Keep your desk clutter-free, tidy your desk, and the place around. It is better to choose a plain or less detailed background so that the focus is not disturbed. Make sure you communicate about the meeting and calls with your family members to avoid any embarrassment. It’s ok if your kids or pets peep into your screen accidentally. Apologize and make sure it doesn’t happen every time. Never scream or yell at them.