Simple Tips to Look Your Best on Zoom

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Simple Tips to Look Your Best on Zoom

What you say is more important than your appearance, but a little bit of prep can make a huge difference. You can create a good impression with just a few simple tips:

Improve your lighting

Natural light is your friend! Position yourself near a window, with the light coming from in front of you, not behind. If you’re in a dim room, use an adjustable desk lamp to brighten your face without harsh shadows.

Zoom's Light Settings 

Adjust for low light: Helps with poor lighting conditions by brightening your video in dark environments.
Portrait lighting: Dims the background while brightening you in the foreground, making you stand out more during meetings.
Touch up my appearance: Gives your picture display a softer focus, smooths out the skin tone on your face and enhances your digital appearance.
  1. Sign into the Zoom Desktop app on your computer
  2. Click Settings
  3. Click Background & effects

Better camera positioning

Place your camera at eye level ensures that your eyes are looking directly into the camera, rather than looking up or down. This will give you a more flattering angle and create a more professional image. It also makes your participants feel like you're speaking right to them.
  • Prop your laptop with books or a laptop stand until your camera is at eye level or slightly above. 
  • Center your face and back away if needed. Your face and upper chest should be centered on the screen.
Enable HD video to improve video quality by increasing resolution and making images clearer. 
  1. Sign into the Zoom Desktop app on your computer
  2. Click Settings
  3. Click Video
  4. Under Camera, select HD  

Apply studio effects

Zoom's studio effects are like getting a free makeover. You can apply eyebrows, moustache or beard, and lip color to your appearance. As long as you don't overdo it, this works great! 
  1. Sign into the Zoom Desktop app on your computer
  2. Click Settings
  3. Click Background & effects
  4. Click Studio effects

Check your background 

A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus off you. Tidy your workspace or use a subtle virtual background (or simple blur) to create a professional look. Tip: Always preview your video before joining Zoom to make sure you, and your background look good!
  1. Sign into the Zoom Desktop app on your computer
  2. Click Settings
  3. Click Background & effects
  4. Click Virtual backgrounds 
By following these tips and using these Zoom settings, you'll feel more confident and look your best on every meeting and webinar. 


Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu

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