by Misty J Hoyt
Photography by Misty
owner/photographer
As a full-time photographer and now a part-time on-line facilitator, there’s a lot I have learned to love and hate about video calls.. I literally refused to Skype before the virus started skipping its way around the world.
One, it’s difficult to stay focused when you’re surrounded by your work, your life, your family. Secondly, it’s difficult for others on the call to do the same.
When the pain of not changing becomes greater than the pain of change, we learn to adapt and accept. However, I am not going quietly. I have Facebook Lived about how to look good on Zoom, I drop lines in the chat box: “Light that handsome face,” “Are you doing summersaults over there,” and “What’s that you’re having for breakfast?” I know, I know… a bit obnoxious but where are our manners?
What we all need to keep in mind is that we are still conducting business. You wouldn’t wear your pajamas in the boardroom or to network, so why on God’s green Earth would one do so on a video call? Since the time we were Littles, our coaches and teachers told us to “Practice what you preach.” And, during this time of isolation, I, for one, am looking for an excuse to slap on some mascara and slip into a nice dress. Keep in mind, I am not clicking around the house in heels., but when there’s a meeting calling my name, I am dressed from the ankles up.
Oh yeah, and one of my biggest pet peeves is when people chew with their mouths open. I really cannot stand to watch people eat. And that’s been amplified at early morning and lunch meetings. I try to use my Jedi mind tricks to will people to turn off video as they eat their breakfast, lunch, unhealthy snacks,…. You get the idea.
I called my friend Jennifer Shertzer with “Plano Magazine” to make sure I wasn’t being hyper critical about Zoom behavior.
“Honestly, people need to go off screen if they need to eat during the meeting,” she said as she affirmed my gag-reflux reaction to eating on line.
Ha!! I was just reminded of pre-COVID days when I’d be in a public restroom, and hear a lady talking on her phone in the stall next to me. I’d purposely and obsessively flush the toilet. And people think I’m nice. I am. Really, I am!! But, c’mon, if your momma didn’t teach you manners, somebody must!
Well, now that I am a self-proclaimed on-line expert, I’d like to share some dos and don’t’s:
- create a nice, clean, possibly on-brand background or use a virtual backdrop
- think strategically about your background before hopping on
- whatever you do, do not switch backgrounds during the meeting – it’s a huge distraction, and if you’re not doing the talking people’s attention should not be diverted to you.
- Aughhh… if you’re on your phone, please do not carry us from room to room with you, have us cooking in the kitchen or bouncing like a basketball at your place of work. Again, a distraction we don’t need while trying to achieve business greatness.
- Yes, play along with the reindeer games and turn on your video
- However, if you need to eat, shut down the side show.
- Also, turn off video if you leave to use the restroom, take a call or go refill your coffee cup.
- Silence yourself, too, unless you’re up. Ringing phones, music videos and barking dogs should stay between your 4 walls.
- If you have to ghost, make sure your default image is a professional headshot. What? Don’t have one? Hmmm… I might just know someone.
- Also, be sure your screen name is your name and ipad, Mac or your gaming name. People may want to connect with you after the call or sometimes you’ll be left out in the cold if the host doesn’t recognize you as someone who registered.
- Try to stay engaged. Think of it as a meeting with a speaker; you don’t need your head buried in your phone.
- Smile – you’re on camera, after all
- Find a complimentary angle. I’ve looked up so many noses. And, also, some of my fellow networkers look like pinheads when the camera angle it too high.
- Light that face. Sure, I have access to professional lighting, but you don’t need to go buy expensive equipment to look good. Bring in a desk or floor lamp, and bring it in at an angle. If it’s adjustable, tweak it until you look good. No? I got you. Too bright? Back that sucker up. Too dark? Inch it closer.
- Set up your office so there is little space between your camera and the wall behind you. This lessens the chances of someone “accidentally” walking by in boxers, picking their nose, whatever.
I know, I know … I’m not very much fun. You can still have fun. Set up a pre-game at the beginning of the meeting. Bring a pet, bring a kid, wear a hat, sip from your fave mug. Be creative, then get down to business.
Go forth, My Friends, and rock that next Zoom call and watch your business grow.
Misty’s Special Offer:
Still need help? We got you. For just $299, we’ll stage your stage either in person or virtually, hook you up with lighting and an extension cord, teach you about the best angles and lighting, and coach you on how to look your best. We’ll even ask for a tour of your closet and together we’ll choose a few outfits
Misty
Photography by Misty