Almost everyone is working from home due to the pandemic circumstance. While managing work and video conferences, we need to understand that video meetings do not come easily to everyone. Zoom calls, Teams, Whatsapp or Skype and Google meet, are platforms where you engage for a video meeting but for many, it is equal to talking to a camera. 

When you feel conscious of this idea of having a video meeting, it immediately reflects in your body language, speech and your presentation, sometimes leaving behind a negative impact. You may start with being self-critical about how you look on the camera and if it isn't satisfactory, this might even make you feel less confident. 

So how does one ace a video meeting but without compromising on your professional image? Here are a few tips to ensure you put your best foot forward during online meetings.

1. It is not easy to get used to talking a camera where you can continuously see your face leading  you to judge your own appearance and voice. So, ideally give yourself 10 minutes before the meeting wherein you can check out the best light angles and comfortable seating for yourself in the house. Also, you may want to talk/give a presentation before  a mirror to make yourself feel confident.

Also, do not be harsh  on yourself, remember eventually people will be more interested in hearing your ideas and conversations than your frizzy hair. 

2. Use gestures: Research reveals that gesturing while talking increases a person’s ability to think, form clearer thoughts, and speak more succinctly. All these aspects help others understand not only what you are trying to say, but how you feel about the subject as well. So, just as when you talk to a person, you use your arms and hands to explain things. Why not do it on video calls too?

3. Eye contact: Making eye contact in a video meeting requires making a habit of looking directly at the camera and at the screen. It might seem difficult but a simple trick of looking at the screen when others are talking and looking directly at the camera when you are talking will help you the most in your next meeting. 

4. Dress up: Even if you are going to be half visible it is important to focus on what you wear for a video meeting. Try and refrain from wearing bold stripes, polka dots and other busy patterns as they will distract the normal eye and can also create annoying blur effects on the screen.  

5.Check your background, light & connectivity: These are the basics for the 'new normal' during video calls. Make sure you check that your background does not have anything that distracts the participants of the call. Know that you are seen and hence make use of the best light and spot area of your house to make yourself pleasantly visible. Always check your network connection because you might want to avoid any kind of lag and overlapping that can create annoying interruptions. 

We are not used to talking on cameras and makes us undoubtedly uncomfortable, but a bit of practice will help us sail through this as  well.