How to Look and Sound Better on Zoom Calls
Virtual meetings are the new face-to-face, in-person meetings. Zoom is a major part of this digital transformation. Over the course of 19 months, online meetings became the new normal.
This was a way to sustain business operations and to continue client interaction. It was easily accepted as a tool for collaboration and networking.
During these virtual meet-ups, it’s important to consider how you present yourself and how others will see you.
Almost every time, we are asked by our clients how to sound and look better on Zoom calls. This has something to do with the virtual presence.
You would want to project an image of professionalism when you are on camera. Especially when you are the host, moderator, presenter, or keynote speaker, you must always give your best shot on the virtual stage.
Here are the 10 things you need to look and sound better on Zoom :
Reliable Internet
Decent Microphone
Turn On Original Sound Settings
Noise Cancellation for noisy environment
An inexpensive 1080p Camera will do
Maximize the Video Settings
Avoid Natural Lighting
Background
Designated Zoom meeting space
Practice, practice & practice
Among all considerations, a reliable internet connection is no.1 on the list. When you say reliable, it is not just about the speed but also the stability. Please stay away from WIFI.
As nice as it may sound that you can connect to the World Wide Web anywhere in the house using a WIFI but it will prove that it’s not as reliable as it can be when you are video conferencing.
Instead, plug your computer into the router using an Ethernet. This will save you from any potential speed issues or sudden dropouts in the internet connection.
See below-recommended bandwidth for meetings and webinar panelists.
A crappy video is more tolerable than bad audio. Regular advice we gave to our clients is to never ever use the built-in microphone of your computer. It is because it will capture all the sound within the room and it will sound hollow.
When speaking on a Zoom call, you want to be heard and the attendees want to listen to a clear audible voice with less or no static at all. Reliable internet and a decent microphone will come into play.
To a minimum, get an affordable gaming headset with a designated microphone or an inexpensive USB microphone condenser.
Now let’s move to Zoom audio settings.
Once you have the gear in place, the next thing you’ll do is maximize the Zoom settings to achieve the desired sound quality. There are two main things to consider.
When you have a quiet place for your Zoom meetings, it’s a good option to turn on the original sound option. This is also ideal when you are going to play sounds or musical instruments.
If you have a noisy environment, it’s ideal to use a headset and set the suppress background noise option to a high level.
You are already set to have good audio in your next Zoom meeting. This time let’s put our effort into making you camera-ready and getting the best video quality possible.
The newer laptop comes with a good built-in camera. Check your computer’s camera and see if it already has high resolution. To fully maximize the camera output during Zoom calls, you need to have a 1080p webcam.
Let’s dive into the camera settings in Zoom. Considering you have reliable internet, you can enable the HD video option. You can enjoy up to 1080p quality of your camera output. Here are the prerequisites.
A good tip when you are in an online meeting is to look at the webcam when you smile and talk to the participants. It may feel awkward but it’s the best way to let the people you’re talking to feel that you are looking in their eyes.
Great eye contact is certainly appreciated more in a virtual meeting.
Check out also the touch-up appearance and for the low light option in the video settings. The touch-up appearance will smoothen the blemishes and obvious pores in your face. You’ll get a brighter look especially when you use this in combination with the adjust for the low light feature.
Next on the list is to give emphasis on the lighting. As much as possible, don’t depend on natural light. Weathers may change instantly and the time of the meeting is another thing to think about.
You need to have control of your lighting any time of the day. Once it’s set up, you don’t have to configure it every time you jump into a virtual call. You could use a ring light or small LED lights.
Ideally, a light source must be placed in front of your camera. Just make sure that your face is slightly brighter than your background.
Speaking of background, you would want to make it as presentable as possible. A virtual background could be an alternative solution if you have a messy working background or if there is a lot of clutter.
Ideally, the background must be well arranged and does not distract the participants.
If you go for virtual background, the key in choosing the right image is necessary. To look more professional during the virtual meetings and webinar, you can add a non-distracting and blank wall image as the virtual background.
A green screen is needed as well as good lighting to achieve the optimal quality of the virtual background. Don’t forget to check the box in the background and filters settings that say “ I have a green screen”. This will further improve the sharpness and quality of the background.
Second to the last item on the list, find a designated place in the house for your Zoom meetings and webinars. A place wherein you can focus and with fewer distractions.
The good thing with this is you don’t have to set it up every time. You can just leave it there and get back when you jump into a Zoom call.
This designated place is different from your working space that may have clutters and disorganized files all over the place.
The last and definitely the most important consideration is to take time to explore and tinker with the Zoom settings and meetings.
Perform tech check, do practice Zoom meetings, try all the meeting features and check for new updates to improve the Zoom meeting experience.
You won’t be caught off guard if there are technical issues and your virtual presence will be much improved.
If you believe these tips can help other Zoom users look and sound better on their virtual meetings and webinar, feel free to share this with them.
You can reach us at https://www.jumpwiremedia.com/contact. Share your thoughts or if you have questions about Zoom and virtual events, you can book a free 15-min consultation with Jumpwire Zoom experts.
Looking forward to hearing from you!