How to Look Your Best in Video Meetings With Homeowners
Light your face, use a headset and allow for practice time to create a professional on-screen presence
Virtual meetings have become more common for remodeling and outdoor professionals during the pandemic. While many video calls may be casual check-ins and status updates from the job site, some meetings in the office call for a more formal setup. In those instances, looking your best on camera can help solidify your presence as an experienced, responsible professional who will deliver a high-quality project.
We recently asked public speaking experts and design and remodeling pros for their tips on how to set up your space and look your best during those high-stakes video meetings.
We recently asked public speaking experts and design and remodeling pros for their tips on how to set up your space and look your best during those high-stakes video meetings.
Make Sure You Can Hear and Be Heard
It’s important for your clients to be able to hear you and for you to hear them. “A very simple upgrade is to use a headset,” says Julia Beauchamp Kraft, a public speaking trainer and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area-based Speak to Inspire. A headset with a built-in microphone can be especially helpful when background noise is a concern and it can vastly improve the audio quality of your computer by bringing the microphone closer to your mouth.
If you want to get even fancier with your audio, you can get a lavalier lapel microphone, or you could get a standup microphone like podcasters use, which will capture your voice even more clearly. “For most people, just putting on headphones is going to be enough of a boost in quality of audio,” Kraft says.
Tip: Take advantage of the mute function during a videoconference so your clients hear only what you want them to hear.
It’s important for your clients to be able to hear you and for you to hear them. “A very simple upgrade is to use a headset,” says Julia Beauchamp Kraft, a public speaking trainer and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area-based Speak to Inspire. A headset with a built-in microphone can be especially helpful when background noise is a concern and it can vastly improve the audio quality of your computer by bringing the microphone closer to your mouth.
If you want to get even fancier with your audio, you can get a lavalier lapel microphone, or you could get a standup microphone like podcasters use, which will capture your voice even more clearly. “For most people, just putting on headphones is going to be enough of a boost in quality of audio,” Kraft says.
Tip: Take advantage of the mute function during a videoconference so your clients hear only what you want them to hear.
Place Your Camera at Eye Level
Set up your camera so it meets your eyes. “You don’t want to be looking up to your audience, but you also don’t want to be looking down on them,” Kraft says. Be sure to set eye level where you’re sitting up straight in your chair and looking at the camera, not slumped over. “The most important thing is that you’re looking at the camera with your body. Have your face fully looking forward,” Kraft says.
Once you have your camera in the right spot, where do you look? “If there is one other person I am talking to, I will look at my own eyes on the screen. If I was doing this where there are a lot of other people, I can’t look anybody in the eye. In those situations I am going to look in the camera,” Kraft says, adding that it’s something people shouldn’t worry too much about. “More importantly, be present with the person you’re speaking to.”
If you’re concerned that your laptop or computer camera isn’t good enough, consider using your phone camera before buying an additional web camera, as many have exceptional resolution. There are lots of tripods and mounts available to help you create a stable, professional setup with your phone. “There’s really no reason to buy a fancy camera, in my opinion,” Kraft says.
Set up your camera so it meets your eyes. “You don’t want to be looking up to your audience, but you also don’t want to be looking down on them,” Kraft says. Be sure to set eye level where you’re sitting up straight in your chair and looking at the camera, not slumped over. “The most important thing is that you’re looking at the camera with your body. Have your face fully looking forward,” Kraft says.
Once you have your camera in the right spot, where do you look? “If there is one other person I am talking to, I will look at my own eyes on the screen. If I was doing this where there are a lot of other people, I can’t look anybody in the eye. In those situations I am going to look in the camera,” Kraft says, adding that it’s something people shouldn’t worry too much about. “More importantly, be present with the person you’re speaking to.”
If you’re concerned that your laptop or computer camera isn’t good enough, consider using your phone camera before buying an additional web camera, as many have exceptional resolution. There are lots of tripods and mounts available to help you create a stable, professional setup with your phone. “There’s really no reason to buy a fancy camera, in my opinion,” Kraft says.
Optimize Your Background
You want to make sure you stand out against your backdrop and that it also projects what you want your clients to see or feel about you. You can stick with something completely neutral, like a plain wall, or arrange the view behind you to show off your personality and design sense.
If creating an attractive, well-designed backdrop in your home doesn’t seem realistic and you want something a little more creative than a plain wall, you can use the Houzz Pro video backdrops to elevate the visual background for your conference calls.
Regardless of what you choose, just make sure you don’t fade into the background and that what you’ve selected doesn’t take away from you and what you’re presenting. “We want to take away all the distractions so that it’s just focused on you and your message. It’s about you and what you want to say,” Kraft says.
You want to make sure you stand out against your backdrop and that it also projects what you want your clients to see or feel about you. You can stick with something completely neutral, like a plain wall, or arrange the view behind you to show off your personality and design sense.
If creating an attractive, well-designed backdrop in your home doesn’t seem realistic and you want something a little more creative than a plain wall, you can use the Houzz Pro video backdrops to elevate the visual background for your conference calls.
Regardless of what you choose, just make sure you don’t fade into the background and that what you’ve selected doesn’t take away from you and what you’re presenting. “We want to take away all the distractions so that it’s just focused on you and your message. It’s about you and what you want to say,” Kraft says.
Be Mindful of Your On-Screen Presence
When you’re in a virtual call with a client, everything you do on-screen is more exaggerated and noticeable than in person, so it’s important to be extra-conscious of what you’re communicating to your clients, intentionally or not. That might include how you move, where you look and what you’re wearing.
“I look at myself, not for vanity, just to make sure I have my head positioned correctly and to make sure I’m not moving around,” Harp says. “When you’re on a screen and you look away, it’s more pronounced. I made a mental note not to do that. Talking with your hands has to take a back seat.”
DiMare likes to show up for her call 15 minutes early to preview how she’ll look and make any last-minute adjustments to her setup or appearance if necessary. “I prepare myself as if I’m going on television. You want to look professional, as if you were going to meet the client in person for the first time,” she says.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to wear something to show off your design style, as long as it’s professional and doesn’t clash or fade into the background. “I always tuck in a little color. Blues and reds look good on camera,” DiMare says.
How to Project Charisma and Confidence on Camera
When you’re in a virtual call with a client, everything you do on-screen is more exaggerated and noticeable than in person, so it’s important to be extra-conscious of what you’re communicating to your clients, intentionally or not. That might include how you move, where you look and what you’re wearing.
“I look at myself, not for vanity, just to make sure I have my head positioned correctly and to make sure I’m not moving around,” Harp says. “When you’re on a screen and you look away, it’s more pronounced. I made a mental note not to do that. Talking with your hands has to take a back seat.”
DiMare likes to show up for her call 15 minutes early to preview how she’ll look and make any last-minute adjustments to her setup or appearance if necessary. “I prepare myself as if I’m going on television. You want to look professional, as if you were going to meet the client in person for the first time,” she says.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to wear something to show off your design style, as long as it’s professional and doesn’t clash or fade into the background. “I always tuck in a little color. Blues and reds look good on camera,” DiMare says.
How to Project Charisma and Confidence on Camera
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing in a low-stakes environment with a friend or colleague ensures that your lighting, audio and visuals are all optimized before you’re in an important meeting with a client.
Pay attention to yourself so you can critique how you look. “[We] always do a trial run before [our] meeting to work out any bugs and see what [the clients] are seeing,” says interior designer Karen Ice-Burris of Ice Interior Design in Austin, Texas.
Numerous videoconferencing programs are available, and it’s a good idea to pick one that your clients are comfortable with and don’t have to install new software to use. With Houzz Pro, you can let clients or prospective clients schedule Video Meetings with you directly using your personal meeting link, no software installation required. The link is fully integrated into Houzz Pro and your own calendar, so your schedule is always up-to-date. You can also share your personal meeting link on social media or by email to let your network know how easy it is to start a project.
See more resources for pros in Houzz Pro Learn
Practicing in a low-stakes environment with a friend or colleague ensures that your lighting, audio and visuals are all optimized before you’re in an important meeting with a client.
Pay attention to yourself so you can critique how you look. “[We] always do a trial run before [our] meeting to work out any bugs and see what [the clients] are seeing,” says interior designer Karen Ice-Burris of Ice Interior Design in Austin, Texas.
Numerous videoconferencing programs are available, and it’s a good idea to pick one that your clients are comfortable with and don’t have to install new software to use. With Houzz Pro, you can let clients or prospective clients schedule Video Meetings with you directly using your personal meeting link, no software installation required. The link is fully integrated into Houzz Pro and your own calendar, so your schedule is always up-to-date. You can also share your personal meeting link on social media or by email to let your network know how easy it is to start a project.
See more resources for pros in Houzz Pro Learn
Remember, It’s About Selling You and Your Expertise
At the end of the day, setting your lighting, establishing good audio and choosing a stylish background allows you to convey to clients or potential clients that you’re a professional with expertise — and help them feel confident about entrusting you with their project.
“I am a builder. I am what you’re buying. You want me to look professional,” Harp says. “If you’re lit poorly or you’re speaking poorly or you’re moving around and leaving the frame, [clients] might think you’re new at this. Video sells service, and that’s what we’re in the business of doing.”
DiMare echoes that sentiment. “We’re human beings and we’re visual beings,” she says. “It’s wonderful to hear a voice, but there’s nothing like looking into the eyes of someone and making that connection. It instills trust. It instills confidence. You’re building a relationship. You’re building trust. In our business, 99% of it is about trust. If a client doesn’t trust you, you’re screwed. I think making that visual connection is very important. And you have to look professional.”
Other tips for looking your best during a videoconference:
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
At the end of the day, setting your lighting, establishing good audio and choosing a stylish background allows you to convey to clients or potential clients that you’re a professional with expertise — and help them feel confident about entrusting you with their project.
“I am a builder. I am what you’re buying. You want me to look professional,” Harp says. “If you’re lit poorly or you’re speaking poorly or you’re moving around and leaving the frame, [clients] might think you’re new at this. Video sells service, and that’s what we’re in the business of doing.”
DiMare echoes that sentiment. “We’re human beings and we’re visual beings,” she says. “It’s wonderful to hear a voice, but there’s nothing like looking into the eyes of someone and making that connection. It instills trust. It instills confidence. You’re building a relationship. You’re building trust. In our business, 99% of it is about trust. If a client doesn’t trust you, you’re screwed. I think making that visual connection is very important. And you have to look professional.”
Other tips for looking your best during a videoconference:
- Check your internet connection. To keep your internet speed up and virtual meetings running smoothly, make sure all your systems and devices are up-to-date. Also check with your internet service provider to make sure your plan is robust enough to cover your needs. Now might be the time to reach out to your tech-savvy friends who could help you hone your system even more.
- Get help if you need it. If you feel that handling everything might be too much for you, don’t hesitate to get help with tech, note-taking or whatever else might keep you from performing your best during the meeting. “When I’ve had higher-stakes opportunities, I have a moderator,” Kraft says. In this era, everything can be handled remotely.
- Add accessories as you need them. “Take time to get the tools to make this possible and easy,” Kraft says. “I didn’t have a ring light before. I didn’t have a green screen before. I got those in the last three or four months.”
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Good lighting is the first thing you’ll want to consider when it comes to looking your best on a video call, as it can influence where you take the call and how you set up your workspace. Homebuilder Richard Harp of Richard Harp Homes in Little Rock, Arkansas, views lighting as the most important setup element when he speaks with clients remotely. “When you’re bringing on a [pro], you want to see that person. Getting to watch that person as they deliver the message to you is a bigger reinforcement of their ability than hearing them over the phone,” he says.
The light should illuminate your entire face, with no lines or shadows. “Natural sunlight is the best. It makes you look the best,” says interior decorator, author and educational speaker Deborah DiMare of DiMare Design in North Miami Beach, Florida. If possible, set yourself up in front of a window, so that light streams past your computer and onto your face.
If you don’t have access to natural light, or you want to enhance the lighting on your face, consider purchasing a ring light, which casts light evenly on your face and eyes. Place the ring light behind your screen so that it projects onto your face. You can also use a task light if that’s more convenient. Turn off overhead lights, which can create unflattering shadows, and play around with other secondary lighting sources that might add to a soft and balanced look.