My top tips for video calls

We are continuing to do video calls - whether for social or work and especially for work, it's important to maintain a professional image. We may well be wearing leggings but we will need a stylish top half! Although, just remember if you need to walk away from the screen, your bottom half will be on show!! Personally, I feel much more put together if I’m wearing a full outfit - and heels. For some reason, once I’ve got a pair of heels on I feel more professional.

Here are a few of my top tips for video calls

💻 Check the background - no one wants to see dirty washing or pictures on the wall at a jaunty angle!

💻Wear something appropriate for the call - more formal if for business, less so if its social

💻Don’t wear huge pieces of jewelry - they just detract from what you want to say. Not only that heavy bracelets and bangles can jangle!

💻Stay away from black or white, both can drain your face and be too severe. Patterned fabrics, especially if a really busy pattern can be detracting. You want people to take note of what you are saying - not what you are wearing!

💻Lighting - facing a window will give clear even light - far better than to have half your face in shadow, or worse, just a silhouette. Alternatively, get a ring light (amazon have an inexpensive selection).

💻Don’t get too near to the camera - it will distort your face! Neither do you want to be looking down - then it's a close up of your nostrils!! Try lifting your laptop so it's higher up and you are looking straight into the camera ( find out where the camera is!)

💻Makeup - stick to your normal makeup routine, but, you can afford to use a little bronzer - especially if you are pale, and perhaps a little more blusher. It's always a good idea to check your make up in the camera before the call - you can then see how you will look on the call, and do any tweeking that may be needed.

💻Remember to switch your phone to silent mode, and have a glass of water to hand!

The more prepared you are the easier the call will be and you will be able to concentrate on what's being said. It’s always worth spending time before the call to make sure that you are looking your best!

We are continuing to do video calls - whether for social or work and especially for work, it's important to maintain a professional image. We may well be wearing leggings but we will need a stylish top half! Although, just remember if you need to walk away from the screen, your bottom half will be on show!! Personally, I feel much more put together if I’m wearing a full outfit - and heels. For some reason, once I’ve got a pair of heels on I feel more professional.

Here are a few of my top tips for video calls

💻 Check the background - no one wants to see dirty washing or pictures on the wall at a jaunty angle!

💻Wear something appropriate for the call - more formal if for business, less so if its social

💻Don’t wear huge pieces of jewelry - they just detract from what you want to say. Not only that heavy bracelets and bangles can jangle!

💻Stay away from black or white, both can drain your face and be too severe. Patterned fabrics, especially if a really busy pattern can be detracting. You want people to take note of what you are saying - not what you are wearing!

💻Lighting - facing a window will give clear even light - far better than to have half your face in shadow, or worse, just a silhouette. Alternatively, get a ring light (amazon have an inexpensive selection).

💻Don’t get too near to the camera - it will distort your face! Neither do you want to be looking down - then it's a close up of your nostrils!! Try lifting your laptop so it's higher up and you are looking straight into the camera ( find out where the camera is!)

💻Makeup - stick to your normal makeup routine, but, you can afford to use a little bronzer - especially if you are pale, and perhaps a little more blusher. It's always a good idea to check your make up in the camera before the call - you can then see how you will look on the call, and do any tweeking that may be needed.

💻Remember to switch your phone to silent mode, and have a glass of water to hand!

The more prepared you are the easier the call will be and you will be able to concentrate on what's being said. It’s always worth spending time before the call to make sure that you are looking your best!