Even though things have been opening up, I still am spending hours at home on video calls. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve my presence during these meetings?

Jill & Beth: Before the pandemic hit, for many of us, Zoom was a PBS show from the 1970s. Now, it’s the place for work meetings, school classes, book clubs and happy hours. We decided to share the same great ideas for video calls that we give to our corporate and executive clients.

▶ Do’s:

  • If you have a drop of vanity in you, the “Improve my appearance” function available on Zoom is key. Go to Zoom preferences, choose video, and click “Touch up my appearance.” A little face-tuning never hurt anyone.
  • Daylight always will be most flattering. Set your computer in front of a window to illuminate your face with natural light.
  • If you can’t use natural light, pick up a light ring (most are $30 to $60). They have color temperature settings to match your skin tone.
  • Choose a great background. Avoid laundry piles or messy shelves behind you. Webex or Zoom digital backgrounds can be fun, but some of them make your head look weird when you move. Make sure you test your background ahead of time.
  • Mute yourself when someone else is talking. Otherwise, when you put down your coffee cup loudly or your dog barks, you’ll interrupt the speaker and you’ll be front and center on everyone’s screens.
  • Set your computer camera at eye level. That may mean putting your laptop on a stack of books. An eye-level camera is far more flattering than having the camera shoot up your nose from below.
  • It’s a bit awkward, but try to look directly into the computer camera when you are talking. Otherwise, it looks like you’re avoiding eye contact.

▶ Don’ts:

  • Never have a window or light behind you. The camera will have a hard time showing your face, and the bright light from behind may distort the shape of your head.
  • Don’t walk around the house while you are talking. It makes everyone else feel seasick.
  • Avoid wandering around your house undressed when someone else is on a call. Jill has an embarrassing story about accidentally Zoom-bombing a call. She’ll share it with you over a glass of wine sometime.

Jill Farmer is a master certified life coach, author and time management aficionado. Beth Chesterton is a master certified executive coach and an expert in organizational development. If you have a question that needs an honest answer, email advice@townandstyle.com.