In today’s virtual workplace, it’s never been more important to put your best face forward. When presenting online, the old adage applies: it’s about location, location, location. Here are three tips to help you choose the best location for online presentations.
Tip #1: Good Light and Sound
Video is all about light and sound. Good lighting and good sound make a big difference in how your content is received. Choose a quiet location with plenty of light for your online presentation. You don’t need a fancy ring light if you’ve got natural daylight available to you.
You can position yourself in front of a window and take advantage of natural light. This is a great way to give a nice soft diffuse light that doesn’t cast shadows. You’ll want to avoid direct sunlight.
Tip #2: What’s in Your Frame?
Think about your background. It shouldn’t be too distracting. But it also shouldn’t be a bare wall so you look like you’re in a hostage video. Most importantly, it should be tidy.
Do a test. Create a new meeting online (just for you) and really look and your background. Figure out what needs to go.
Tip #3: Give Your Space Some Personality
Add color and depth to your video. This means you shouldn’t be pressed up against an empty wall. You need space. Position yourself facing a window with empty space behind you and objects at a distance.
In a small space, a bookcase is an easy way to add depth and color accents, making your videos less flat.
We may all be online most of the time now, but the best videos create the illusion of the three-dimensional world we live in.
Sometimes you can’t hit all three of these tips. I get it. Maybe the room with the best light is your kitchen–the hectic nerve center of your family. And the quietest room is a bedroom closet. You simply need to find a balance.
The most important thing to consider when you choose the best location for online presentations is that you be you. The room you present on screen offers one more opportunity to communicate something to your audience. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you.