Midlife - How to look more attractive for a video conference

Center the shot and even lightning

Life is going back to a new normal, slowly but surely!

The truth is that business interactions will be different after Covid-19. The hybrid working environment has been the subject of many articles on how companies will operate after the pandemic.

It's a fact that virtual meetings will be part of our daily life. Going forward, we must be prepared for both face-to-face & virtual interactions.

As midlife women, we must make sure the message, the feelings and how we want to be perceived virtually are consistent with how we present ourselves in face-to-face meetings. For this, it's again time to think about your closet...

Having said that, if you still hate to see yourself on the screen when attending meetings, it's time to make small adjustments so you know how your audience is perceiving you and you can build confidence when interacting virtually.

Since the pandemic started, I, as you all, have attended countless virtual meetings and have seen a little of everything, be it in business or social interactions.

Here are some tips to make sure people look at you and not your neck or other parts of your body:

· Place the camera of your laptop or computer at eye level.

· Avoid showing too much skin – the eyes are drawn to it.

· The best light is to have natural light hitting your face from the front. This will make sure you are fully visible. If the light is hitting you only from one side, it will create shadows and will make you look tired.

· If using a smart phone or tablet, I would suggest getting a support, and again, make sure the camera is at eye level. Take a selfie following this rule to see how people will view you.

· Add some color to your face. Lipstick, blush, and mascara, as a minimum.

· Center the shot.

By implementing these few changes, you will see a huge difference on how others will see you on the screen. Remember, first perceptions are lasting and inform how people will think of and interact with you.

Do it right and we look at you, do it wrong and we look at your clothes.

▶ Watch the video

If you still prefer to keep your camera off, make sure you have an attractive, professional, high-resolution photo of yours showing on the screen.

Why?

Because, based on a study done at Cornell University in 2016, researchers found that there is a consistency in how people perceive or evaluate others independently of whether it is based on a photograph or on a live interaction. A first impression generated by a photograph is not fully changed after a subsequent in-person interaction.

Another interesting point is that those participants who gave the person in the photograph a positive evaluation, also identified other positive characteristics, such as being socially competent.

Their conclusion was: “These findings support the view that even after having 'read a book,' one still, to some extent, judges it by its ‘cover.’”

We are slowly going back to meeting people face-to-face. Now is the time to get out of hibernation and clothe yourself with your best "cover".

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