Thanks for the opportunity to do this, Alex! Zoom calls aren't going away anytime soon. Anyone who uses video calls for work, school or business should find some helpful tips here.
I would also add that my #1 tip is to turn on the camera. I have Zoom meetings daily with remote peers and at least half the time I don't see who I am working with!
Ha! Yes, that helps. I suppose no tip is too basic. But you're not wrong! I've seen meetings where 80% of participants don't have their camera on. Not the most engaging meetings to attend. Ha.
I do training videos and the microphone was a huge difference when I started them in terms of the sound quality and control and I was not on camera in those days when we first started . We are now in the kickoff phase to doing a video and traditional podcast so in regard to lighting, something that you did not comment on in this video is with a ring light being careful on reflection. If you wear glasses (and even if you don't, glare. There is a gentleman whose podcast I watch on RUclips and his lighting is a ring light and unfortunately it looks like he has horns coming out of his eyes with the way the ring light reflects on his glasses and with some other it reflects on their cornea. I myself have chosen to use a lighting kit that consists of two 20 by 28 soft boxes and I know it is made an incredible difference over just the ring light and they were less than $100. The interesting thing about lighting is that on some internal calls when I've turned the light on between that and a better webcam as opposed to the internal camera on the laptop my coworkers have noticed the difference.
Yes, the ring light can cause reflection issues, for sure. I wasn't wearing my classes when we shot this video but I always double check the reflection when I'm wearing glasses. It can really become a distraction. Also, you're quite right about using a better camera. It makes a huge difference. We tried to keep it simple in this video and not suggest too much new gear but it all helps as long as the person knows how to use it.
Hey Alex, I'm sure this helps many people as zoom or Teams or Google meet, all of them we are using all of the time. For me, it's easier I think as I'm a RUclipsr like you and we're so used to look into the camera, so we know how to elevate it and audio....yeah, audio is imo even MORE important than camera angle. 😀
- [00:33] 🤝 Looking and sounding better on Zoom is crucial for creating a positive first impression, akin to a virtual handshake, which can impact your professional image significantly. - [01:55] 📷 Positioning your camera at eye level is essential to avoid unflattering angles and ensure a professional appearance during Zoom calls. - [04:15] 🖼 Applying the rule of thirds in framing your shot helps create aesthetically pleasing compositions, positioning yourself ideally in the middle of the frame with your eyes along the top third line. - [06:43] 💡 Proper lighting is vital for creating a professional appearance on Zoom calls, as it enhances your overall impression and ensures clarity in the video. - [10:06] 👀 Making eye contact with the camera during Zoom calls helps establish a stronger connection with the other participants, simulating a real conversation and improving engagement. - [12:42] 🎙 Using a dedicated microphone significantly improves audio quality during video calls, enhancing clarity and reducing distractions caused by poor audio.
Alex, Carl... Here's a toughie. I've had dual lazy eyes all my life. Not "Mr. Deeds" extreme, but enough to be distracting to some. I tend to place the camera low and to the side to minimize the lazy eye drift. Any tips on correct camera placement that uses the Rule of Thirds, while minimizing emphasis on this? I've also tried multi-point light variations. Suggestions? 👀
Good question. I think I'd have to be on a call and see what the shot looks like to give advice. I can't quite picture what you're describing. In general, the advice would be to attempt to get your face or eyes on the top line and/or at the intersecting lines on the top. You could move the camera closer or further away to play with it. That's another way to get your eyes in the right spot.
@@alexanderlyon Thanks. Well noted. To help picture... my eyes can wander outward, opposite of each other when over-strained. Like I'm looking in two places at once. Putting the camera at an angle can make my eyes appear to be almost aligned straight toward the lens (or person). But I realize that's not a professional solution.
Okay. That helps me imagine it better. I would say do the best you can and at least try to use the rule of thirds in terms of where your head is positioned overall. And, of course, use your best judgement to adapt your advice in the video to your liking.
Thx for making this video. It was a life saver.🎉❤ Now I can imagine what my colleagues were enduring😢😞. I will be more pleased if you also make a video about what ethics is good to attain in zoom calls and online class
Thanks for the video. constructive criticism - reduce visual items such as the airpods - if posible having the microphone on top of you head or in an angle where the camera wont pick it up - i would say using a good headset would be better
Thanks for the opportunity to do this, Alex! Zoom calls aren't going away anytime soon. Anyone who uses video calls for work, school or business should find some helpful tips here.
It was great to have you on the channel, Carl. Thanks for some helpful tips. Anybody reading this should check out Carl's channel!
Excellent tips, guys!
See Alex's Communication Coach Academy:
www.alexanderlyon.com/cca
I would also add that my #1 tip is to turn on the camera. I have Zoom meetings daily with remote peers and at least half the time I don't see who I am working with!
Ha! Yes, that helps. I suppose no tip is too basic. But you're not wrong! I've seen meetings where 80% of participants don't have their camera on. Not the most engaging meetings to attend. Ha.
I do training videos and the microphone was a huge difference when I started them in terms of the sound quality and control and I was not on camera in those days when we first started . We are now in the kickoff phase to doing a video and traditional podcast so in regard to lighting, something that you did not comment on in this video is with a ring light being careful on reflection. If you wear glasses (and even if you don't, glare. There is a gentleman whose podcast I watch on RUclips and his lighting is a ring light and unfortunately it looks like he has horns coming out of his eyes with the way the ring light reflects on his glasses and with some other it reflects on their cornea. I myself have chosen to use a lighting kit that consists of two 20 by 28 soft boxes and I know it is made an incredible difference over just the ring light and they were less than $100. The interesting thing about lighting is that on some internal calls when I've turned the light on between that and a better webcam as opposed to the internal camera on the laptop my coworkers have noticed the difference.
Yes, the ring light can cause reflection issues, for sure. I wasn't wearing my classes when we shot this video but I always double check the reflection when I'm wearing glasses. It can really become a distraction. Also, you're quite right about using a better camera. It makes a huge difference. We tried to keep it simple in this video and not suggest too much new gear but it all helps as long as the person knows how to use it.
Very helpful content...focused in on some areas I had been wondering about for some time. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm impressed by your content. It's been a joy watching you grow and offer such value!
Thank you! I'm having a lot of fun with my channel and I hope it shows.
Hey Alex, I'm sure this helps many people as zoom or Teams or Google meet, all of them we are using all of the time.
For me, it's easier I think as I'm a RUclipsr like you and we're so used to look into the camera, so we know how to elevate it and audio....yeah, audio is imo even MORE important than camera angle. 😀
Good point! Strive for total excellence.
Love this!💛 10/10!
Thank you!
You both look great!
Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you for these very useful tips!
You're so welcome!
- [00:33] 🤝 Looking and sounding better on Zoom is crucial for creating a positive first impression, akin to a virtual handshake, which can impact your professional image significantly.
- [01:55] 📷 Positioning your camera at eye level is essential to avoid unflattering angles and ensure a professional appearance during Zoom calls.
- [04:15] 🖼 Applying the rule of thirds in framing your shot helps create aesthetically pleasing compositions, positioning yourself ideally in the middle of the frame with your eyes along the top third line.
- [06:43] 💡 Proper lighting is vital for creating a professional appearance on Zoom calls, as it enhances your overall impression and ensures clarity in the video.
- [10:06] 👀 Making eye contact with the camera during Zoom calls helps establish a stronger connection with the other participants, simulating a real conversation and improving engagement.
- [12:42] 🎙 Using a dedicated microphone significantly improves audio quality during video calls, enhancing clarity and reducing distractions caused by poor audio.
Thank you Alex ❤😊❤
Congratulations!
Thank you, Roxi. 🙂
Please make more videos about conflict resolution, I think that's a skill every person needs to know nowadays
God bless you professor!
Thanks, God bless you too. I just posted one a couple of weeks ago about conflict management. You may have already watched that one.
Alex, Carl... Here's a toughie. I've had dual lazy eyes all my life. Not "Mr. Deeds" extreme, but enough to be distracting to some. I tend to place the camera low and to the side to minimize the lazy eye drift. Any tips on correct camera placement that uses the Rule of Thirds, while minimizing emphasis on this? I've also tried multi-point light variations. Suggestions? 👀
Good question. I think I'd have to be on a call and see what the shot looks like to give advice. I can't quite picture what you're describing. In general, the advice would be to attempt to get your face or eyes on the top line and/or at the intersecting lines on the top. You could move the camera closer or further away to play with it. That's another way to get your eyes in the right spot.
@@alexanderlyon Thanks. Well noted. To help picture... my eyes can wander outward, opposite of each other when over-strained. Like I'm looking in two places at once. Putting the camera at an angle can make my eyes appear to be almost aligned straight toward the lens (or person). But I realize that's not a professional solution.
Okay. That helps me imagine it better. I would say do the best you can and at least try to use the rule of thirds in terms of where your head is positioned overall. And, of course, use your best judgement to adapt your advice in the video to your liking.
@@alexanderlyonWill do. Thanks and God Bless!
Thx for making this video. It was a life saver.🎉❤ Now I can imagine what my colleagues were enduring😢😞. I will be more pleased if you also make a video about what ethics is good to attain in zoom calls and online class
Thanks for the video.
constructive criticism
- reduce visual items such as the airpods
- if posible having the microphone on top of you head or in an angle where the camera wont pick it up
- i would say using a good headset would be better
thanks
Great tips, thanks!
Thanks. I'm glad the tips were helpful.