YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION

From the moment a virtual meeting begins, your client is forming their opinion of you. They are deciding, both consciously and unconsciously, if this meeting will be worth their time and mental energy. This first impression is the foundation on which you will build the rest of your presentation. You MUST look and sound your best.

Getting this right will grab the client’s attention and pave the way for you to engage them in the meeting and communicate your differentiated message.

Follow these eight (8) recommendations to optimize your set up for a virtual meeting:

1. Your device

While you may choose to use your phone or iPad, a laptop or desktop is ideal because the larger your screen, the easier it is to see your audience.

2. Camera angle

The camera lens should be at or slightly above eye level. To get a level shot, you can adjust the chair’s height, rotate the screen’s angle up or down, set your device on top of books or a box, or use a tripod. Think ‘News Anchor’ as you look at yourself.

Avoid having the camera looking up or down at you. Your ceiling should not be visible in the frame.

Consider the use of an external webcam if the camera on your device is less than optimal.

3. Camera distance

You want more of you in the frame and less of the room behind you. Do not be afraid to bring the camera closer to you.

‍Your head and the top of your shoulders should dominate the screen. Position the top of your head a few inches from the top of the screen and your face centered left to right.

Your eyes should appear to be looking dead center to the camera.

4. Audio

Use an external microphone so your voice is clear. The mic on your device has a range that picks up more than just your voice and makes your room act as a sound chamber. When your voice is hollow and echoing, it is hard for the audience to hear you.

Microphone choices to consider:

A lavalier mic that plugs into your device and clips to your lapel.

Bluetooth earbuds or AirPods.

Wired earbuds that plug into your device.

5. Lighting

‍Good lighting is essential because you want your client focused on you and able to read your facial expressions.

‍Your light source — whether window or lamp — should always be in front of you, NEVER behind you. When the light source is behind you, it casts you into a shadow, making it hard to see your face. A light source to your side shades that side of your face and can be distracting to your client.

A popular solution is a Ring Light that you place behind your device. Amazon has several options. Alternatively, place a lamp behind your device with a bright white or daylight bulb (avoid warm light bulbs that are more yellowish).

6. Background

What your audience sees behind you leaves an impression. Ask yourself what impression you are making. Your background should be uncluttered, tidy, and professional (do not share anything too personal).

Ideally, your background will be interesting but not distracting.

Try multiple spots in your home or office to find the one that works best and that you can use regularly. You want nothing in the way of your audience being completely focused on you and your message. ‍

When using virtual backgrounds, proceed with caution:

‍They work best when you have a green screen. Amazon has many options.
Practice using it to ensure that it is stable on your device and does not create halos when you move or pixelate your screen image.

7. Clothing

Know your audience and dress based on the impression you want to make

Dress as if you were meeting the client in person. Simple, classic attire never fails.

Solid colors work well; strong patterns do not. You do not want your clothing to distract from what you are saying. Blues and other rich, solid colors work well.  Avoid white, bright red, and black.  

When using a background, choose a color that will stand out against it rather than blend in with it.

8. Rehearsal

Open a new meeting to preview how your audience will see you. Adjust the camera angle, optimize the lighting, and be sure your background is professional.

Invite a colleague to a meeting to tell you how you look, your background looks, and how you sound. Is this how you want the world to see you?

When practicing with your team, set up for your practice session precisely as you will be in the live meeting and ask others to do the same.

Putting time in to look and sound your best will increase your likelihood of success. Cumulatively it all makes a big difference.  You will leave your client with a positive, professional, and digitally-savvy impression — qualities your clients will value.