Sometimes it takes a threat, like the current pandemic, to get people to learn new technology. If you have been one of those people who avoid turning on your camera for video calls or won’t add a new app to your phone, it’s time to embrace digital communications.

Digital communication skills are important because when some parts of communication are absent, notably body language or tone of voice, our perception of the communication will likely err on the negative side.

How can we overcome this barrier? Practice.

My favorite tool is Zoom video meetings, which has a robust free version, and MyFreeConferenceCall.com has free calls and video meetings, too.

Easy Tips to Look Good on Video

Being on video can be awkward at first. It’s one thing to Facetime with your family member and another to present well in a business meeting on Zoom. I use video in all sorts of ways, but I don’t have to spend a lot of time to look good. Following are some tips to keep your cool on video:

• Camera. Elevate (or lower) the camera on your laptop or desktop so that it is eye level. On laptops the tendency is to be looking down at the camera. Not the most flattering for most of us (ask any self-respecting, selfie-taking teenage girl!).

• Mobile Phone. If you have to use your phone for video, find a good place to rest at eye level. Otherwise your arm will get tired! I have an inexpensive tripod, but I’ve used shelves, piled up books, and other contrivances.

• Lighting. A light straight above your head will make you look ghostly or creepy. Save that for Halloween! Too much light in your face and you will be washed out. Light directly behind you, such as a window, will turn you into a silhouette. Ideally, light should come a little off center from you. In Florida I have so much natural light that I have to tilt the blinds. Tweak until you get it right.

• Background. Bare walls look like you’re in prison. I have this issue when I travel! If possible, have wood paneling or something in the background. Okay, maybe not a plant sticking out of your head… Test with your camera ahead of time to see how your room will appear.

• Makeup. If you’re someone who wears makeup routinely, just do your usual. I don’t usually wear make-up, but on camera my rosacea makes me look like I have a sunburn! So, I use foundation to even out my color. And it never hurts to put a spot of color on your lips, even if it’s just lip gloss.

• Clothes. I live in Florida and wear a lot of sundresses and it has taught me to always have a collared shirt or jacket close by! Why? Because bare shoulders are even less appropriate on video, especially when shoulders up is all the camera catches. Wear a proper suit jacket if you would in a face to face, but if it’s business casual, a collared shirt or a blouse with a higher neckline works very well.

• Your Gaze. When you are in a group meeting, the gaze is less important, but the fewer the people, the more you want to appear as though you are looking at the person, not down or over. I like to position the “box” of the person right under the camera on my laptop. That’s natural. But if that’s not possible and I want to have “eye contact” I gaze at my camera. It feels weird but it works.

• Emergency Out. If you worry about the kids (streaking) running behind you on video, or the neighbor cursing out the window, just be sure you know how to hit the mute and video toggle buttons so you can do it quickly! This also works well for coughing and eating.

Low-Pressure Practice Opportunities

Advice will only take you so far. Low-pressure practice opportunities are great, too.

• Join Marianne Pelletier at Staupell Analytics on March 18^th at 2pm ET for a FREE water cooler chat on Zoom: https://www.staupell.com/watercoolerchats.html

• Check out the Events page at the Prospect Research Institute for FREE and low-cost opportunities to meet-up on Zoom: https://member.prospectresearchinstitute.org/pages/events

Don’t Forget to Be Forgiving

As we experience a surge in people communicating through digital channels, there are bound to be some mistakes – and sometimes they will be yours. Don’t forget to forgive yourself and others when mistakes and misunderstandings happen.

As you stress out over virtual communications, or not, here’s one of my all-time favorite funny videos to help you bust a laugh!

More Resources

• #ChatBytes 18: #CareerCurious Telecommuting: Prospect Research from the Home Office | Sandra Kent, Charity Jovanovic, and Lara Arlan-Wier share their tips and stories about telecommuting as prospect research professionals, both as a team member and team leader.

• The Explainer: How to Collaborate Effectively If Your Team Is Remote | Harvard Business Review

• How to Embrace Remote Work | Trello