Raise your hand if you feel perfectly comfortable in a video meeting or appointment with an agent or editor. I see that hand. The one of you.
Most of us cringe at seeing ourselves on the screen during a virtual/video-based meeting, or we avoid them if possible. Others grit our teeth (never a good on-screen look) and bear it.
What can we do–simply and inexpensively–to remove some of that discomfort? And why would it be important for a writer?
Set us all at ease.
Poor lighting, a busy background, disruptive pets, noisy fans, a smeared camera lens, wonky internet connection, and tinny or echoing vocals can make everyone on the video call ill at ease. If we’re fussing with volume or squinting to see or wondering if that’s a unique hairstyle or a tree growing out of your head, we will be drawn to the problem rather than the conversation.
For writers talking with agents or editors, those distractions become part of the first impression memory. What writer wants the agent to remember how ghost-like the writer’s face looked in that inadequate lighting? A writer, naturally nervous about pitching to the agent, will have a hard time focusing if the agent’s busy shirt or blouse makes the writer seasick.
Set the stage for what’s most important.
An agent or editor wants to hear your heart and passion for your project. They need to know if you will handle your writing career professionally. Your slouched position or cuckoo clocks going off on the wall behind you–at different intervals–don’t communicate who you are as a writer.
A sweep of the hand and a “Sorry for the mess” does not set the stage for a professional conversation. Job interviews and agent/author appointments do share common ground. If we pro-actively eliminate the need for an apology, we’re setting the stage for a meaningful, distraction-free conversation. It’s shows the other person you respect and value their time.
Chins, shadows, and nose hairs
Poor camera positioning can enhance or detract from the purpose of the video meeting. One of the most common oopsies is if the camera angle (including a cell phone or laptop camera) shows more ceiling than face. Few editors or agents are all that interested in your ceiling or ceiling fan. They want to see your face, your eyes, your smile.
If tilting the laptop screen doesn’t help, try setting the laptop or phone on a stable stack of books or an overturned, sturdy bin. Tilt the screen so the camera angle is approaching from slightly above you.
Practice during a non-live virtual call. Or using your phone’s screen-reverse function so you can see yourself on screen and adjust where needed. Ideally, your eyes should be a little above the midpoint of the screen, the top of the viewing area just a little higher than the top of your hair, and the bottom of the screen near the top of your sternum.
That angle and closeness to the camera will also eliminate many background distractors.
The position for writing on your keyboard is not the best position for conducting a video call, or attending a video conference. In many cases, writing position will create dark shadows under your eyes, and make your chin and nose hairs seem like the bulk of who you are.
Disappearing hair
Since the years that ramped up our reliance on virtual and video conversations, many have thought their answer to a messy background behind them was using a preprogrammed filter or pretend “green screen.” If you choose to use one of those options, please test it out. When you move, does your hair disappear? If you breathe, does the “frame” around you jiggle? Imagine how disorienting that is for the viewer. Sometimes you can adjust settings on the video portion to “quiet” that effect. Or the distance from the camera may have an impact.
Other writers have chosen to secure a “video spot” that eliminates the need for background blurring. They conduct video meetings in a guest room or an area of their home that has a vignette of simple decoration. No plants that seem like hats, though, please. Some writers may use a folding screen they employ for virtual conferences. Or they purchase one of many relatively inexpensive backdrops.
Light it up
Who knew so many of us would need to think about lighting like a stage director does? If you attend virtual conferences or schedule appointments to talk with other writers, agents, or editors, it’s a necessity. Most experts in the subject suggest you should face the light, which will likely mean the light source is above and behind your laptop or phone. You can consider purchasing a low-cost ring light or use a lamp with soft lighting.
Note that if your face looks eerily blue, it’s likely your laptop brightness is set higher than you need it for video calls. Most virtual/video programs have a preferences setting where you can also brighten or adjust the screen view that shows to others. Take the time to experiment so you’re more comfortable with what you…and those attending the meeting…are seeing.
Keep it centered to avoid video distractions
Investigate YouTube for answers to your questions about how to avoid disappearing hair or make your video/virtual experiences the best they can be. You’ll no doubt run into this helpful hint. If you look at the camera rather than the face of the person you’re talking to on the screen, it will appear as if you’re making eye contact. Much better than staring far off to the side. It’s not natural, especially at first, to keep focused on the camera lens (or a sticky note near it). But you can hit a happy medium ground if you slide the video program screen so you are slightly off-screen and the person you’re talking to is centered. That will allow you to make more natural eye contact. 
We haven’t even started with topics like colors of clothing that translate well or poorly on screen or avoiding clanking earrings or muting before you sneeze (hard one to master). If anything, the hope is that this blog post has piqued your interest. Discover simple ways you can maximize the opportunity to make a good first impression and eliminate distractions on video calls. They are, for now, a fact of life.
Some of us, not saying who, are old enough to remember the cartoon show The Jetsons. Their video phone seemed like a fantastical impossibility. George and Jane, Elroy and Astro, we collectively apologize for not taking your experiences more seriously. They are our reality.
Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay
Image by Nicola Giordano from Pixabay
Accept my Sorry For The Mess,
and so withhold the slap,
and don’t request that I address
the Great Dane in my lap.
Peanut is his honoured name
and he chooses where to sleep,
for he lately did gain fame
across the land, in Newsweek.
One day in local custody,
the next day at out place,
he had the skill to save me
and thus has earned the grace
of going where he wants to go,
including conference video.
Yeah, dog will be in every video conference. Having saved my life, he deserves the limelight.
I hope it’s OK to give the link to the story… Peanut made it to TV, as well.
https://www.newsweek.com/man-adopts-great-dane-saves-life-1905020#:~:text=The%20next%20day%20after%20bringing,Peanut%20could%2C%22%20he%20said.
We normally delete links in comments, Andrew, for many reasons, but this is a great, uplifting story.
And you proved once again that there’s an exception to every suggestion. 🙂 The Great Dane remains!
“First impression memory” — thank you, Cynthia, for the phrase. I’m a paraprofessional in a high school, and connecting students’ names and faces at the start of the year relies a lot on first impression memory. Sorry to say, it’s hard to let go of a negative first impression be it virtual or face-to-face. I think it’s easier to see myself as others see me on the screen than in the classroom.
Great example, Shirlee. Even if that first impression is not reflective of the norm, it’s not intuitive to lose or erase a first impression and takes work to convert to a more realistic reflection.
It gives opportunity too for me to add that perfection isn’t our goal. Fake or “faked” is also not the goal. Better is a great aim. Less distracting is also a good target. When I use the word professional in the post, it isn’t meant to stir an image of expensive suits and ties, but rather a consciousness that conferences and meetings, even virtual, are part of a writer’s “business” day.
Yes, online meetings are not my favorite but it was so nice to be able to do something during lockdown. I did get a ring light for meetings but these additional tips are very helpful. Thanks so much, Cynthia!
Thanks, Kristen. Glad there was something of value to you here.