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Objective Leader

Leading Online Webinars

Zoom with Confidence

Being in front of a camera can be quite a challenge for many of us. Not everyone is wired to be beaming with confidence in front of a camera, especially when you have tens of other people concentrating on you. But with the pandemic that we faced in 2020, working from home and conducting virtual events has become a way of life that is here to stay. So, we have to get accustomed to being on camera and giving our best at the same time.

You have probably felt very conscious and unsure most of the time during a Zoom call. You’re not sure if your body language is correct. You are constantly worried if the background is looking good or professional enough. But you’re not alone. A lot of people suffer from camera consciousness or low self-esteem during virtual meetings.

Common challenges during Zoom meetings

You’re never low on confidence when posing for a picture or uploading it on social media. Then why on a video call?

The reason behind this is probably because you don’t always see yourself in motion. In a Zoom call, you are constantly looking back at yourself, even if on a tiny window in the corner. You see how you look when talking or listening to others talk. Some of us are always frowning, someone sees how dull their skin looks or how tired their eyes look, while some feel the camera angle just doesn’t work for them.

All of this adds up to drain your confidence.


7 things you can do to run Zoom meetings confidently

But like every other problem, there’s a solution to this one as well. Here are 7 simple things you can do to change the way you feel in front of the camera.

  • Look at your camera when speaking on Zoom, not your screen – This is similar to making eye contact in-person. Looking at the camera not only takes your attention away from how you look on screen, but it also makes you look confident.
  • Make sure your camera is at the right height - people don't want to be looking at your chin – The camera should be at the same level as your eyes to give you the best angle.
  • Lighting is key – Does that mean you need to buy a ring light now? No. Just sit in a room with good natural light. Face a window and avoid sitting with a window behind your back. Have one steady light pointing at your face and avoid sidelights or backlights that might cast a shadow on one side of your face.
  • Use virtual backgrounds wisely – The background you choose should be non-distracting. Choose a blank wall in a light solid colour, or something boring like wooden panels or a brick wall that will not take the attention away from you when you’re speaking.
  • Check your Zoom and mic before your meeting start – Every time you start a meeting, make sure your camera and mic are working and all your settings are on point. Having to struggle with these things after the meeting starts can be bad for your confidence.
  • Use Zoom touch up – Zoom can help you look better too. The Zoom touch-up can enhance your appearance by smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of minor blemishes or flaws. To set it up, just click on your profile picture and then go to Settings. Then go to Video and select “Touch-up my appearance”. Use the slide bar to adjust the setting and the touch-up will be applied the next time you start a call.
  • Maintain high energy on zoom – Try and get some vocal exercise before a call, such as singing out loud. Sit straight and tall during the meeting and listen actively when others speak to drive more engagement. If the meeting runs long, it’s a good idea for everyone to take a few minutes off now and then.

How Zoom safety issues compromise our confidence

With the increasing use of video calls for meetings and events, certain safety issues have also surfaced. From Zoom bombings to snooping to the risk of getting hacked, everything tends to have an impact on your confidence. When you are constantly worried about your safety on the platform, it shows in your demeanour too.

You or your company must ensure that safety protocols such as compliance to standards and access restrictions are in place on platforms like Zoom. There must be strict action for anyone who fails to maintain etiquette. Ensuring security will boost confidence among the participants.


Top ways to run online meetings confidentially

  • Control access to meetings by adding passwords or allowing participants through invitation only
  • Make sure that the admin has total control of a meeting and joins first
  • Set guidelines relating to video calls for all employees
  • Prevent recording of meetings without permission
  • Limit file sharing in chat


Conclusion

Virtual meetings are the new norm and even when the world goes back to normal, these technologies will stay. You must adapt and evolve to face the camera with confidence if you want to see yourself excelling in your career, no matter what the platform is.



Written by:

Elizabeth Houghton

Leadership Coach

Objective Leader