The number of video calls e meetings telematics that we do has increased significantly in this period - and is probably destined to become the new norm - but we still struggle to optimize the visual rendering of these video chats. In short, how can I look my best on these occasions? Here is a series of tips and tricks for become a video call champion!
How to become a video call champion
So let's start with our list of recommendations, which involve factors such as lighting, framing, audio e video.
Use an external webcam
This advice may seem obvious, but one webcam Outdoor can really make a difference in regards to video quality than the one built into your laptop. For computer manufacturers, in fact, putting a quality sensor means raise the cost of the device, then a component often ignored by consumers. The speech is different if you use it smartphone, where the front camera tends to be good.
NexiGo N660P 60FPS AutoFocus 1080P Webcam with Dual ...
- Full HD 60FPS 1080p webcam: NexiGo Full HD webcam features 1920 x 1080p high definition resolution, ...
- Built-in stereo microphone for noise reduction: The built-in stereo microphone is equipped with a microphone ...
- Privacy Shutter Webcam: The webcam comes with a privacy and security shutter, making it easy to ...
Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam, Streaming Veloce HD...
- Full HD Streaming: Stream professional quality videos on websites like Twitch and YouTube. Full HD 1080p at 30 ...
- Auto Lighting Corrections: Full HD streaming via Wi-Fi, autofocus and instant light correction, for ...
- Premium Stereo Audio: Your voice is transmitted clearly and naturally with two omnidirectional microphones, which ...
Check the framing and background
Before joining a meeting or video call, always check how you look in the shot. The ideal is a half body with the video camera placed about eye level o a little higher. Completely avoid low angle shots, which are very common especially if you are on a smartphone. If you use the latter for most of your calls, get yourself one if you can easel or stand to keep it fixed at the right height: in this way you will avoid tire your arm and it won't seem like you are constantly in pose from selfie.
As for the background, try to have one if possible uniform surface with respect to which your figure is detached. You can contribute to this effect by wearing a dress dark with a background clear (and viceversa). In case you are forced to use the rest of the room as a background, make sure you don't see any disorder or that the people who share the house with you know that you are called, so as to avoid walking behind you. In these cases, moreover, if you can then avoid personal environments such as the bedroom or, even worse, the bathroom, and aim for the sitting room.
One last note in case you use it Skype o Microsoft Teams: within the computer application it is possible automatically blur the background, in order to be highlighted with respect to it. It may seem like a useful feature, and when it actually works it is, but seeing that it tends not to work and instead creates unsightly effects in terms of image quality, we recommend that you turn it off or make sure it is. Just go to the Settings to find the relevant option.
Fix the lights
THElighting it is probably one of the most important factors in achieving good video quality, although it does require some testing to find the optimal setup. Avoid the classic scene of us in the dark with only the computer screen tending to illuminate us from below, unless you want to look like murderers in a horror movie.
In general it is recommended do not stand against the light: during the day, therefore, do not stand with the window behind you, but rather try to use natural light as a source of light in front of you (perhaps softened by a tent). At night, turn the screen brightness down a bit and try using a source (or even better the two) point at a surface in front of you, so that the light bounces back to you widespread. In the absence of lamps you can use one external screen or laptop with a white image (e.g. a Word blank page) positioned behind the webcam slightly higher than your eyes. In any case, remember to turn off any lights behind you, again to avoid being backlit.
Don't forget about audio
In a video call theaudio it's probably even more important than video: better to be a pixelated spot that speaks clearly than an incomprehensible professional streamer. For this it is first of all important to use an external microphone post near the mouth rather than the internal one of the computer or mobile phone. You don't necessarily need a professional microphone: the one of the earphones or the overear headphone headband.
The audio, in addition to being good, must then be known how to use. Virtually all platforms allow you to change through a special icon. The advice is therefore to always remain silent when you do not have to speak. This will avoid disturbing others with background noises, cell phone rings, noises from neighbors and so on.
Clothes are important
The image of the video call and the telematic conference with a fully dressed person in the top half and then in pants below it is very comical, but we do not advise you to apply it in reality. Obviously, no one expects you to dress elegantly or uncomfortably, but it is advisable dress in a manner that is at least presentable from head to toe, so that you can get up without embarrassment to settle down.
This also applies to the people who share the house with you: in addition to informing them of your schedules to prevent them from coming to disturb you, if they happen to accidentally appear in the frame it is better that they are fully dressed than in underwear.
