Video meetings and virtual social hours aren’t going anywhere. Invest a little time with your setup by following these four easy steps:
1. Add natural lighting – This is best. Place your desk where there’s a window (or good natural light) in front of, or to the side of, your face. Light behind you will silhouette you in darkness.
2. Set the background – The wall behind you should be 4-6 feet behind you so you have depth without showing the entire room.
3. Don’t forget the books – Add a focal point–a mix of books varying in height and color–which creates warmth and reads smart. Split each shelf with half the books on one side, décor on the other. Reverse this arrangement on each shelf.
4. Show off your subtle sophistication – Large-scale pieces of artwork on the wall will make the wall pop. Art is subjective, and individual tastes differ. Aim for beautiful and professional and not distracting.
Having the right setup can boost your confidence and create an in-charge kind of image to those on the other end of the meeting. (Don’t forget to clean your camera lens often.)
