I miss the days where keeping the camera off on video calls was the normal thing to do. The things I have done with the camera off are honestly hilarious and should have a post for in and of itself.
Here are some tips on how to survive on a video call, especially if you wake up 60 seconds before it started…
Hide your Self-View! - I know I am not the only person in this world distracted by their own self-image. Turn off the ability to see your self and it will take a lot of pressure off + add a lot to your fu$% it mentality.
Pull Back Wet Hair to Hide your “Just Showered” Look - By pulling wet hair back you now look extremely professional vs. extremely discombobulated.
Disable Floating Meeting Controls - This will help you avoid the annoying floating bar when you are trying to click on the screen during a live demo.
Clean Skin - It took me a while to go without makeup on the camera but when I finally made the change I realized all I needed was a freshly washed face. I purchased the Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol from Aēsop that I can’t live without. A few sprays on the face makes a big difference on camera and it only takes 2 seconds vs. many minutes like applying makeup did.
Peaceful Background - Limit anything distracting from the environment. Limit the amount of artwork on display. Your service call is the focus, not your bookshelf!
Eye Contact with the Lens - Looking directly into the camera lens when your talking will help you appear more personable and focused (in my opinion).
Don’t Turn on Your Camera if You’re on Mobile - If I have to join by phone I keep my camera off. It’s too distracting (and risky) for me to worry about what will get picked up on the camera.
Take Notes in a Physical Notebook & Transfer After the Call - I like to hold the notebook up in the camera view so it is obvious that the point is being recorded and not just agreed to.
Feel No Shame for your Many Open Browser Tabs - Don’t add stress closing out browser tabs (unless they’re NSFW) before a call. Chances are you are not the only person who has several open tabs waiting to be visited so no need to stress about it.
Be Early - In Zoom as in all things, on time is late. Be early to the meeting especially if you are the host and have to let people in.
That’s all for now.
Note: Obviously these tips aren’t only for “chicks” but they’re from a womans perspective which is refreshing.