This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, it's essential to know how to present yourself professionally on screen. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, people have been asked to maintain social distance to help curb the spread of the virus, leading to a significant increase in virtual meetings.
According to Derek Bbanga, a personal branding and communication consultant, looking presentable during virtual meetings is crucial for effective communication and building trust with colleagues, clients, and friends.
"It's essential to always look your best, regardless of the occasion. Looking presentable is about looking your best, and it's not just about dressing up for a video call," says Bbanga.
Here are some tips to help you look presentable during virtual meetings:
- Have your lighting right: Ensure that the lighting is always right, whether you're in a dining area or on the couch. Good lighting brightens your face and enhances your features, making you presentable before your colleagues.
- Choose the right background: Backgrounds play a big role in emphasizing how you present yourself during a video call. You can create professional backgrounds using some of the video calling applications or ensure your background is plain to avoid distracting your colleagues.
- Learn how the applications work: Learn how to mute audio or switch off the videos when you're distracted. People will still be able to see you make faces and hear the things you say if you don't know how the video tool you're using works.
- Dress appropriately: Avoid flowered and printed shirts and blouses, as they can easily distract the people you're video-calling. Wearing a bright white or black shirt may cause your camera to auto-adjust the brightness and make it hard to see your face, so go for solid bold colors.
- Have a comfortable position: Ensure your sitting position is comfortable before making a video call. Avoid changing seats from room to room during a video call, as this shows lack of preparedness on your part.
By following these tips, you can present yourself professionally on screen and build trust with your colleagues, clients, and friends.
