Video Conference Best Practices: How to Look and Sound Great in Virtual Meetings

Whether you are taking part in a remote video production or just meeting with colleagues remotely– you need to follow video conference best practices to ensure optimal results. If you’re in a hurry, check out this quick 7 step guide to looking and sounding great for your next virtual meeting:

1. Choose Your Background

Avoid messy or busy backgrounds.
Remove or avoid any logos or copyrighted material in the background, including bookshelves and artwork.
A plain wall is always a safe choice– sit several feet away to avoid shadows.

2. Refine Your Lighting

Face towards your primary light source, ideally a window.
Position yourself so there are no windows behind you.
Turn off any lamps visible in your background.
If you are using a window as your primary light source and it is bright, you might try turning off interior lights to keep the color consistent.

3. Finesse Your Framing

Position yourself approximately 18” to 24” from your camera.
Adjust the camera to be roughly eye level. You may need to prop your computer up on a stack of books or lower your chair.
If you are having a conversation with someone else, try to move their frame as close to your webcam lens as possible.

4. Improve Your Internet Connection

Plug your computer directly into ethernet, if possible.
Ask others in your household or office to refrain from streaming videos or other internet-intensive activities during your presentation.

5. Optimize Your Audio

Try to choose a space with carpeting or curtains to reduce echo. You may also lay blankets over hard flooring, out of sight.
Reduce background noise. Ask others to be quiet and turn off any dishwashers, air conditioning, etc.
Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
Pause for 1-2 seconds before you begin speaking. Avoid talking over others or responding too quickly to questions.

6. Look Your Best on Camera

Wear solid colors. Neutrals, jewel tones, and pastels are best.
Avoid wearing bright white, bright red, and bright green.
Avoid intricate patterns such as herringbone or pinstripes.
Avoid large or identifiable graphics, logos, text, etc.
Wear a blazer over your shirt for a polished, professional look.
Garments should be tailored and comfortable– not too tight, not too loose.
Avoid jewelry and accessories that make noise during movement.
If applicable, touch up your makeup prior to appearing on camera. Use powder or blotting paper to reduce excessive shine.

7. Nail Your Performance (For Interviews/Presentations)

Relax! You don’t have to respond perfectly. We can go over each question multiple times, and will edit your responses to show you in the best possible light.
Keep your eyes on the webcam lens– before, during, and after your response! Do your best to ignore your computer screen and any other distractions.
Please answer all the questions in complete sentences, and restate part of the question in your response. (The interviewer will not be in the final video.)
Relatively short responses (or “soundbites”) are best. Start with the general overview– we can dive into the details later.