Video chatting has become a very common part of daily life in recent months. Whether used in a personal or professional setting, you want to make sure you make a good impression when video chatting. There are several ways to achieve this. While a large part of this impression will depend on how you conduct yourself via video, the manner in which you present yourself is also very important. The quality of the video and the effort you’ve taken to appear organized should all be taken into careful consideration. This brief guide explores what to keep in mind when video chatting with friends, family, or even coworkers.
What your surroundings say about you
One of the most important things to keep in mind when video chatting is what your surroundings will say about you. While you will be the focal point of the video chat, your home and surroundings will also be in full view for everyone on the chat. If your surroundings appear messy and unkempt, people may assume that you care for yourself in the same manner. Therefore, you should do a bit of light cleaning before you hop on a video chat. Clearing up the room where you will conduct the video chat will help you appear more professional and others on the chat will focus more on you and less on your surroundings.
People’s focus may also be drawn away from you if your background is too cluttered. Your colleagues will spend more time analyzing your bookshelf and knick-knacks than they will actually listening to what you have to say. It’s a much better idea to hold your video chat in front of a blank or lightly decorated space. Decorating your home office with some fine art photography for sale will attract just the right amount of attention without distracting too much from the main purpose of the call.
Dress to impress
Your outfit will have just as much impact on first impressions as your surroundings. As such, you must dress to impress when video chatting and hold yourself to the same professional standards as if you were chatting in person. Brush your hair, wash your face, and change out of your pajamas even if you plan to hold the video chat from your bed. Not only will this help you look more professional, but it will also make you feel more awake and prepared to tackle the tasks at hand.
Don’t let distractions steal the show
The last thing you want when you’re in the middle of an important meeting or a virtual date night is to be upstaged by a poor video connection or screaming toddlers. Removing yourself from potential distractions will help you present the most professional image possible. If you have kids or pets, consider holding your video chat in a quiet isolated space such as a home office or your bedroom. It’s also a good idea to make sure all technology is in proper working order and that your phone is silenced. Limiting distractions as much as possible will allow you to finish the video chat quickly and efficiently.
