(DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
With a vast amount of teaching, learning and operations happening remotely these days, University Marketing and Communications' Visual Services team has some tips to help you look and sound your best while participating in Zoom meetings, FaceTime, Hangouts or Skype.By incorporating one or all of these easy tips, you'll instantly see and hear a significant improvement. Zoom like DIBS and make your virtual spring quarter look and sound the best it can be.
Elevate your camera
If you do nothing else, elevate your camera to at least eye level. Elevating your laptop or device creates the most pleasing camera angle and avoids an “up your nose" view, which, trust us, no one is interested in seeing.
If you use a laptop, this can be as much as 10-12 inches off the surface of your work area. Desktop computers, like iMacs and other displays, have cameras built in and might be at eye level already or only need an additional inch of elevation.
Put lights in front
A good amount of bright light cast evenly onto your face is essential for a good webcam image. Position your computer and desk so you face lamps or windows. If necessary, reposition lamps so they are in front of you and your computer.
Avoid bright lights behind you, including lamps and windows. Even windows with closed blinds are too much. These create a backlight effect that will make it hard for your webcam to adjust.
Use earbuds
Plug in your earbuds or headset with a microphone for audio. The microphone will make your voice sound more clear, and you'll be able to hear better. Headsets also reduce or eliminate environment sounds, including outdoor noise, kids playing and dogs barking. Don't forget computer notifications and alerts can be heard by fellow meeting attendees too.
Happy Zooming!