Look Good on a Video Call
Camera at eye level, light in front, plain background, and look into the lens for your key sentences.
The setup tips are practical advice; Bailenson's paper explains why video calls tire people, not which tips win deals.
Why it works
A low camera looks down on you and a dark face is hard to read. Looking at the screen, not the lens, means you never seem to meet their eyes. Small fixes make you look prepared.
How to do it
- Raise the laptop so the camera is at eye level.
- Face a window or a lamp. No bright window behind you.
- Use a plain wall and a headset if your room echoes.
- Look at the lens when you state the price or the ask.
- Join one minute early and end on time.
What to say
Thanks for making time. We have 20 minutes. I'll take 5 for the plan and leave the rest for your questions.
Let me share one slide, then I'll stop sharing so we can talk.
Avoid
Sharing a 30-slide deck and talking to it. They see slides, not you.
Example
Mohan used to take Zoom calls from his car. After he moved to a desk by a window with the laptop on two books, a client told him he looked like he ran a proper firm.
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