There’s a plethora of factors that build up your presence when presenting virtually and, for good or bad, most of them should be considered before even opening the presentation software. How do we face the challenge of imitating in-person communication when we have the physical barrier of the screen and the psychological barrier of talking to oneself.
We can give you a very practical guide on the right camera position in virtual presentations to ensure a nice audience experience. If people see you well and nothing gets in the way of their attention, then the chance you’ll be remembered is much bigger. Let’s see what you can do.
So, you’ve freshened up, put on something nice and comfy and are ready to jump on a call (we take it as a hygiene factor, but let’s say it again – always present with your camera ON). Have you found the best spot in your room or office to get the best light and angle? Make sure you consider the key points below.
Get the best angle
This one’s often overlooked. To a certain extent it’s not surprising because many people still use their laptop camera when presenting which may lead to weird angles like this one, where the webcam is below eye level and you’re presenting looking down. Unsurprisingly, the viewers can get the impression they’re being looked down on.
To get the right angle, your laptop or monitor camera should be placed at eye level or slightly above. You can achieve it in several ways, some of which will cost you very little. Taka a look:
Of course, if you present on a regular basis and professional equipment is crucial for your performance, then go with any of the following options:
Find what works best for you and most importantly, get used to looking straight at the camera when presenting. This imitates real eye contact, and your audience will be more likely to reciprocate.
Stand at the right distance
Try to find the best distance from your device camera so your face doesn’t get distorted if you’re standing too close. Plus, it can be perceived as slightly intimidating, right?
And for those of you using a second screen, remember to look at the camera that’s actually in use. Having people look at your profile is not the best way to connect with them.
Choose the right background
A virtual meeting is a chance to show your surroundings arranged in a way that complements your message and the perception of yourself you want to project. For instance, if you’re pitching a business idea, you can arrange a few books by renowned thought and industry leaders on the shelves behind you, why not even your company logo?
Whatever you do, don’t ever use crazy virtual backgrounds when presenting online.
If, for some reason, you have no other option and you absolutely must use a virtual background, choose the blur effect, as it’s the least distracting one.
The choice of background is like the visual elements in your slides, you want every element that is visible in your background to have a specific purpose and build your credibility. If it does not add value to the message you want to convey, you need to remove it. A safe option would be a monochrome room divider that you’d place behind your back to avoid capturing any distracting factors.
Sо this is how you can improve your camera position in virtual presentations. If working remotely, try to find a spot in your home that will represent you in a professional way and dedicate it to work meetings and online presentations. You’ll need to set it up just once but will build an everlasting impression.
Looking for more tips on online presenting? Do check out our extensive guide on effective online presentations for business professionals.
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