You have a Distinct Element Style from all the rest!
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Take the quiz nowOne of the reasons I wrote about this subject, it was prompted by a situation last week: a guy fresh out of the shower, signed into a webinar, and proceed to lotion-up and get dressed in front of the camera! Yes, in the BUFF! I didn’t experience this first-hand, yet, it was shared all over the ‘net! YIKES!
In my One-ROOM Rescuetm, one of the components is How to Present Yourself on Video. And, from what I’ve seen in the last few weeks, I‘m happy to share a few tips.
FIRST, THE CAMERA ON FACE:
Whatever device you are using, please take the time to CHECK what others, and guests, are seeing. The camera should be equal to or slightly above your eyes.
SECOND, THE CAMERA BACKGROUND:
Choosing a background can set a tone/mood for the call. Standing in front of a brick wall could stifle creative conversation; while a plain wall can be ‘warmed’ up with a plant or bookshelf. (neatness counts) Choosing the ‘best-place’ to sit and participate can be tough, but take a look around your home and plan ahead for these calls.
For a one-on-one casual chat, you may feel comfortable to share the kitchen as you bake or sip coffee.
It’s also okay to feature your pets and do a house tour in your pajama’s.
However, a chat with more than two people or a full webinar meeting may require you to ‘show up’ as the professional that you are. Please take the time to choose your seat and background. (the dining room table is okay) And then, set boundaries for no interruptions with loved ones in the house. (Food is a great motivator.)
You need to LOOK like you are in business. If you are talking with paid clients and virtually inviting them into your home, let’s expand on this plan. Think about what is behind you**:
THEN, WHEN TO TURN IT OFF
FYI: Use good manners when leaving a chair empty on camera, it could be insulting to the presenter. A quick exit still requires an AUDIO and VIDEO pause on your end.
Click off your camera AUDIO and VIDEO:
Another tip: When signing-in, double-check if you are automatically muted and/or if you have the controls figured out before things begin. Make note (top paragraph above) of the poor guy getting dressed for the whole world to see! PLEASE, turn AUDIO and VIDEO camera off until to are READY to begin.
I know many of these things give you a chuckle, and we are only human… and yet, someone WILL see the replay, someone else will try to refer you and another will be disgusted about a poster on the wall of your favorite sports team. Pay attention.
I was chatting with a colleague a few years ago with a neon martini glass all spiced up for (?) a party! Even thou I’m okay with drinking alcohol, I was a little miffed why he would think to bring this to our conversation. Did he think this was a date? You be the judge of these things.
All these personal issues can be touchy for some. It’s better to play ‘neutral’ and avoid reasons to disengage with potential partners and clients!
Using Zoom, Skype and the like to stay connected and make more connections is so essential for us to thrive. Using these video tools, as tools, can break up our days of ‘lockdown’ and can help form a foundation in business for what lies ahead.
In the meantime, many of us are in survival mode right now.
Yes, it is okay to wear pajamas to a video call if that works for you. Dress it up a bit with a piece of jewelry, comb your hair and put on a big smile!
Soon we’ll be ‘coming out’ of isolation and ready to move forwards. At that time, our reputation needs to be positive and personable.
I’ll SEE YOU AGAIN in the clouds!
Warmth, Kathryn
Wish to know more about the ONE-ROOM Rescue for your situation? http://www.kathrynwilking.com/one-room-rescue
Are you a Wood, a Fire, an Earth, a Metal or a Water element?
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