Looking great for on-line meetings….

I have had an overwhelming response to my last Style Post – thank you. I wanted to get this mid-week post out to you as so many of you asked for advice regarding on-line meetings. You asked, I answered…some tips to help with your new way of working. I hope this goes some way to making you feel more confident and less self-conscious in front of the camera.

Using a filter

Zoom has a face softening filter called “touch up your appearance” that will put the camera into a softer focus. Check it out here . It is very subtle but definitely makes a difference. Amen to that!

Creating a flattering light

Always remember - light in front, not behind or underneath. If you’re in a room with a window (i.e. natural light), face towards the window. This will ensure that light falls on your face. If you’re in a room without a window, use a desk lamp (with a soft light) and place it over the lens of your screen – this will shape your face and give you the most flattering glow.
Never sit with your back to a window during an on-line meeting unless you also have light on the front of your face to balance things out (a backlit shot is not a good shot and neither is being lit from underneath by your screen).

Positioning the camera

Your eye line matters – look up not down! Remember, if you’re looking down at your camera, the person you’re calling is looking up at you. You need to be looking slightly up at the web camera so raise your screen (eg. use books) so that the lens is just equal to your hair line. You’ll not only look better but it will also slim down your face and avoid a double chin situation!
Centre yourself to your screen and don’t sit too close. Your webcam will have a wide angled lens which means it will exaggerate what it is closest too (eg. nose, chin etc).
Keep your backdrop clean and simple to avoid unnecessary distraction.

Dressing for the camera

Spots, stripes and ditzy patterned tops will not show up well on camera. Choose solid neutral/bold colours.
Remember collars frame the face so a shirt collar will look fabulous or a v-neck/straight neckline.
Avoid knitwear as it will be less flattering in terms of posture.
Wear something that is your favourite piece (even if no one can see it) eg. great underwear, shoes, perfume etc. Wearing something you love has been proven to boost both confidence and mood.

How make-up can help

Webcams can wash you out so you should wear a little more foundation than usual.
Give your face some definition on-screen - blusher is the quickest and easiest way to do this.
Lipstick will help you look polished – it doesn’t need to be bright red - although I would obviously! Even a subtle shade will make a difference to your overall look.

How to style your hair

Dry shampoo is a godsend and will give your hair extra ‘oomph’ should you need it (who doesn’t?).
Experiment wearing hair up which will elongate your neckline (remember – no one will see the back!). If you have short hair – try sleeking the sides back for a more polished look.
I would avoid obvious hair accessories (eg. headbands, scarves etc.) if it is not your usual style. They will just be distracting and make you feel self-conscious.

FINAL TIP

Check how you look in your own webcam before you join the meeting. Once you have done this avoid looking at yourself constantly on screen and look at the camera lens – this is your eye-line and where you will create eye contact with your colleagues.

Please feel share to pass on to anyone you know who may benefit from the advice - I think that’s everyone!

Good Luck