[VIDEO] - Look your best on Zoom - Between 2 Speakers

When bad lighting happens to good people.

That was me (right) before I met Mike. Don’t let this happen to you! Watch our interview with video producer Mike Alongi and learn easy ways to look your best on video calls!

Don’t show your coworkers your nostrils on Zoom.

With 2020 being such a fun year [sarcasm], we all suddenly became one-person video producers overnight, with Zoom taking over our lives.

Randy and Mare wanted to know some simple ways to show up better on Zoom, so they sat down - on Zoom, of course - with Video Producer Mike Alongi.

See our interview below or scroll down to our Top 5 Tips from Mike:

Mike’s Top 5 Tips for Looking Good on Zoom:

1. Angle yourself toward the light.
   A window to your right, left, or behind you can make your face shadowy. Place a lamp opposite your face for your best look. Ring lights are a simple, inexpensive option.

2. Rule of thumb for framing: Stick to the middle.
   Don’t be the guy (or gal, or person) who shoves their entire face into the camera, or sits back in a chair 6 feet from the camera. (See how Randy starts our video.) Mike breaks down how to best frame yourself.

3. Keep the camera slightly above eye level.
   This will avoid the double-chin and the “here’s my nostrils” look.

4. Use headphones for clear audio.
   Your built-in mic is functional, sure, but it’s also picking up sounds like the garbage truck going by, kids in the background, and mewling cats. A microphone closer to your mouth will make you sound better to your listeners. Randy uses a lavalier; Mike uses earbuds with a mic.

5. Look directly at the camera (not the screen) during presentations.
   When you’re the one speaking, it’s natural to look at your colleagues on the screen. On their end, it looks like you’re looking at your screen - not them. To give the effect of looking people in the eyes, look directly at your camera (next to the green light). Yes, it feels funny, but it looks great. You’ll get used to it after a few rounds. Promise.

Thanks, Mike, for joining us!
You can check out Mike’s work at ForFront Media Creations.

A ring light and a riser help you avoid the “up the nostrils” and “I’m in a horror movie” look.

(See??? Don’t I look a ton better?)

Here’s some of the equipment I use for Zooming at home or at my office:

Pro tip: Use a light facing you.

Risers help you look your best.

Mare's office set up.

---

About The Author

Hi! I’m Marianna. I make the process of public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. And yes - I teach over Zoom!

Need some help? Get in touch!