Even if you possess the best possible webcam, there's still the chance that other additional factors such as your backdrop, lighting, internet connection, and more will likely make your professional video call a lot less unprofessional than it really should be. In these trying times with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic gripping our world, many businesses have taken the step of transitioning their employees to working from home, thereby allowing them to communicate with one another via video conferencing.

Whether you will be working from home (as many individuals across the country are doing right now for the time being), preparing for a job interview, etc., there are all sorts of ways in which you can make your overall presence as professional as possible.

Here are ways in which you can create a professional video call from the comfort of your own home.

Check Your Setting

Take the time to check your settings. Many web-based meeting apps have good default settings; however, no matter which one you prefer to use, you should always check the settings for features such as enable mirror effect, always mute microphone when you join a meeting, and adjust microphone or microphone level automatically.

Minimize Disruptions

You will also want to minimize all computer and network disruptions. More specifically, if you have any other applications running that could potentially compete with your video conferencing app, be sure to close them before you open it. The best way to identify these applications is to open your computer's task monitor and look for anything that's consuming a notable amount of CPU, typically more than 25% consistently, as well as bandwidth or memory. Shut those applications down unless you need them for the meeting. At no time should you shut anything down that you are unable to identify, such as items that seem to be system processes. You should also take the time to test your WiFi connection prior to your video conferencing call in order to ensure that your connection itself is working properly.

Good Lighting

Ensure that you have the proper amount of lighting and a good camera. While there are some computers that have built-in cameras that are decent, the truth is that some of them are only mediocre in nature. Your best option will be to purchase a webcam and place it on your monitor so that you will be able to look at the individuals you are speaking to. Perhaps the trickiest factor involves lighting; however, there are easy ways to fix this, such as using lamps, not mixing light sources, not using Venetian blinds behind you, and not investing in specialty lighting gear.

Check Your Sound

Making sure you have good sound is equally as important as well. Some of the best ways that you can ensure this is to use an external microphone, make sure that you place the microphone that you're using between five and six inches away from your mouth, using a pair of headphones whenever it is possible to do so, and adding fabrics as a way to help counter any and all echoes.

Minimize Interference

No matter what, always make sure that you keep everything as professional as possible. This means that you should either eliminate or minimize interference, wear professional clothing instead of casual clothing, avoid wearing jewelry that either jangles or reflects, and never roll or spin in your chair that you're sitting down in.

Thank you for visiting the Echo Earth Media blog, an Austin commercial video production. If you would like to create visually stunning videos for your company’s website contact us today!