Are you ready to step up your video conference call game? Being event planners means we are used to working anywhere and everywhere – literally.
During event-season-lulls, we are no strangers to working from home and enjoying a commute-less day. You may have found yourself new to the game of virtual meetings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look like a well-seasoned pro while you figure it all out. You’re only a few steps away from upgrading your overall professional appearance from your kitchen backsplash to C-level savvy for your next virtual meeting. Check out 5 of our favorite tips from work from home pros Karen Marin and Cindy Kapp.
FIND YOUR SPACE
A space dedicated to work is crucial – but this doesn’t mean you need a large area to make it your own. Any nook in your home will work, you will just have to get creative. By upgrading from your kitchen table set-up to a simple space-saving writing desk and comfortable swivel chair you will see a boost in productivity and motivation in your everyday workday.
SET THE STAGE
The key to a great backdrop for your meeting is a generally neutral space that doesn’t cause distraction but includes a pop of your personality. Bring life to your background with some greenery and a photo gallery backdrop. We found the perfect height faux decorative snake plant that you can move in and out of the frame. Logistics guru, Cindy Kapp is a fan of the California photography that hangs on the wall of her home office. Add your own favorite memories to this gallery frame set.
LIGHTING IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST
Forward-facing natural light is your best friend, but we get that your set up can’t always align near a window. Alternatively, grab a desk lamp or small tabletop lamp with a soft white colored light bulb to place behind your laptop. Test how the lighting is being picked up by your webcam and adjust accordingly. To take it a step further, we love this mid-century modern desk lamp. You can adjust the height and shade direction for perfect lighting every time.
HIT THEM ANGLES
The ideal position for your laptop’s camera is at a height that can be angled just slightly down at you. Prop up your laptop to be in line with your hairline, and angle the screen slightly pointed down at your eyes. This will have you looking your best! We love a simple but sturdy laptop stand that helps with this angle and our general posture. You can also get creative with stacking books or small boxes to add height. When it comes to distance from the camera, being too close can actually distort your face, so keep a distance and do your thing!
ROCK A PROFESSIONAL LOOK
Have you heard of the third piece rule when it comes to fashion choices? It’s a simple trick for elevating your professional look. Your pants and top are your first and second pieces, and your third piece is an extra outfit element such as a jacket, blazer, sweater, vest, or statement accessory. Who What Wear confirms it “adds nuance to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit, making you look put together, polished, more interesting, and like you put a little effort into your look.” Director of Marketing and Event Visual Execution, Karen Marin, loves to pop on a stylish headband like the one featured here for our virtual meetings.
Confidence is key in executing your virtual meeting. You’ve got the look – now what about the programming and attendee experience? We’ve been keeping up with all things virtual meetings and would love to let you in on all the secrets. Contact us today and let’s get planning!