In the age of remote work, video calls are a central part of professional life. Your on-camera presence matters more than ever, so it’s essential to master the tools that keep you looking professional, even from your living room. Here’s a step-by-step guide on adjusting your background and enhancing your appearance on both Zoom and Google Meet, plus some best practices for ensuring your video presence is polished and distraction-free.
1. Adjusting Your Background
Why Background Matters
The setting behind you can impact how others perceive you during a call. A tidy, uncluttered background helps to keep the focus on you, not on what’s going on around you. If cleaning up isn’t an option, both Zoom and Google Meet have virtual background and blur features to keep things looking professional.
Zoom Background Setup
- Open Zoom Settings
Start by launching Zoom and navigating to your settings. You can do this by clicking on your profile picture and selecting Settings. - Select Backgrounds & Filters
In Settings, go to Backgrounds & Filters. Here, you’ll see options to add or change virtual backgrounds or apply a background blur. - Choose Your Background
- Virtual Backgrounds: Zoom offers a range of preset backgrounds, or you can upload your own images to personalize your look.
- Blur: For a subtler touch, select Blur. This will make your background appear out of focus, keeping attention on you while hiding any distractions.
Pro Tip: If your computer lacks the processing power for virtual backgrounds, go for a plain background at home. Light, neutral tones work best on camera.
Google Meet Background Setup
- Enter Your Meeting
In Google Meet, you can change your background either before or during the meeting. - Select the Background Options Icon
Click on the three dots (⋮) at the bottom right of the screen, then select Change Background. - Choose Your Background Style
- Blur: Google Meet offers both Slight Blur and Full Blur options. This is ideal if you want a low-key look without fully changing your background.
- Virtual Backgrounds: Google Meet also allows you to add backgrounds or upload your own images.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly busy virtual backgrounds that might distract others on the call. Subtle, professional options like soft colors or simple office environments tend to work best.
2. Enhancing Your Appearance on Zoom
Zoom offers a few handy options to enhance your on-screen look, so you’re always camera-ready.
- Enable “Touch Up My Appearance”
In Settings, go to Video and check the Touch up my appearance option. This adds a slight skin-smoothing filter to keep you looking fresh. - Adjust for Lighting
Zoom also includes a Adjust for low light option under Video. This automatically corrects your lighting levels, so you’re visible even if your room is dim. - Framing Your Shot
Try to have the camera at eye level or slightly higher. Placing it too low or too high can distort your image and distract your audience. You can use books or a stand to adjust the height if needed.
3. Best Practices for a Polished On-Camera Presence
Alongside background and appearance tweaks, following a few simple habits can ensure you’re always presenting your best self on camera.
Maintain a Tidy Space
If you’re not using a virtual background, make sure your actual background is tidy and free from distractions. Clutter, laundry, or unexpected items can take attention away from what you’re saying. Think of your workspace as part of your personal brand.
Use Natural Lighting When Possible
Natural lighting is the most flattering, so try to position yourself facing a window. Avoid sitting with your back to the light, as it will cast shadows and make you appear darker on screen. If natural light isn’t available, invest in a simple ring light or desk lamp to brighten up your face.
Keep Your Camera Clean
A quick wipe of your camera lens can make a huge difference in clarity. Any smudges can blur the image, which can look unprofessional and even cause distracting reflections.
Make Eye Contact
Position your camera so it’s easy to look directly at it while you’re speaking. Looking down at your screen gives the impression you’re not fully engaged. Place any notes or your video window near the camera for easier eye contact.
Wrapping It Up
A professional virtual presence is all about attention to detail. By setting up your background, enhancing your appearance settings, and keeping your environment clean, you’re building an engaging and distraction-free video call experience.