Perfect your video-conferencing skills with these simple tips by Gregory Grinnell April 8, 2020 Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Illustration by Gregory Grinnell/Northeastern University “OMG, I don’t really look like that, do I?” With the “new normal” taking hold and work meetings and class time moving to screen-sharing and video-conferencing applications, many users are confronting their on-screen reflections for the first time—and not liking what they see. From bad manners and “forgot-the-camera-was-on” moments to harsh lighting and z-grade audio, the last few weeks have been chock full of on-camera dos and don’ts for professionals and newbies alike. With a few easy to do suggestions using items that you have around your house, News@Northeastern’s media professionals will show you how to smooth out the rough edges and improve your on-screen presence for the classroom and the boardroom. Raise your device so that the camera is at eye level. This tends to be a more flattering angle, and will prevent the camera looking up your nose.Use a stack of books or a small box to raise your device so that you are looking directly into the camera.Avoid bright or busy backgrounds. A bright background can leave the foreground dark and underexposed while clutter and movement can be a distraction (or perhaps an embarrassment!).A neutral, calming, background is always a smart choice.Avoid both weak, low-level, lighting and harsh, strong, lighting.Use a desklamp to “fill in” your face and body especially if there is a lot of light coming from the side or behind you.Stay close to the microphone on your device (or better yet, use an external mic) and minimize movement especially when you are speaking.Also, reduce background noise as much as possible (tv, radio, roommates, pets, children—though good luck with that).Change out of your pajamas and comb your hair! Everyone can see you (from the waist up, anyway).Be on time and treat video conference meetings as though you were in a face-to-face meeting.