Easy Tips for Improving your On-Camera Communication
Saturday Night Live recently parodied a sales team meeting in the age of coronavirus, with colleagues struggling to adapt to virtual video communication. In one scene, an older teammate picks up her computer and starts strolling through her home. “Please don’t bring it into the bathroom,” her frantic manager begs. “We can see you, always!”
Most of us are well aware that laptops should stay out of the loo.
But still, the shift from in-person to on-camera has challenged even comfortable communicators. Just ask Lizet Ocampo, political director for People for the American Way, aka the potato boss, who led an entire team meeting with a spud filter on her face.
Fortunately, there are simple techniques that anyone can master to improve your on-camera game — whether you’re a team leader running a meeting, a business leader addressing key stakeholders, or a community leader reaching out to your fellow citizens. And the best part is, when done correctly, on-camera communication can create a meaningful sense of connection in these physically distanced times.
First, the basics:
Your backdrop matters. You want to be in an environment that shows your humanity, as opposed to sitting in front of a blank wall; but you don’t want your viewers to be distracted by clutter or movement behind you. President Obama got it just right in his endorsement video of Joe Biden. Choose a backdrop natural to you that conveys serenity and calm.
Light from the front. Make sure your room’s lighting is coming from in front of you, rather than behind. Otherwise, you risk your face appearing dark or shadowed. Natural light from a window is great, but you can always supplement with lamps. Or, it might be worth purchasing a light and microphone that can professionalize your presentations from home. (Here’s one kit that can do that.)
Position the camera at eye level. Your viewers want to be looking you in the eye, not up your nose. Position the camera accordingly! If your ceiling is visible on the screen, you know the camera is aimed too high. This interview with Michael Shannon from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Falllon illustrates both the “do” and the “don’t.” Similarly, remember that one of the benefits of video is its intimacy; your audience is just on the other side of the screen. Keep an arm’s distance between yourself and the camera, so you don’t invade their space.
Expect the unexpected. Set up your video chat app to give yourself a preview before you start the session. If you use headphones choose a pair with a built-in mic to avoid distracting noise. And accept that sometimes, technology fails. Have your back-up plan in hand — for example, a conference call number you and your audience can switch to in a pinch.
Next, your presence.
Look the way you want to be seen. Our work wardrobes may be more casual now that we’re stuck at home, but an on-camera presentation is a moment to dress the part. That doesn’t mean formality; a suit and tie or tailored dress would look strange in a home environment (unless, perhaps, you’re Mitt Romney). Groom yourself in a way that conveys “put-togetherness” and professionalism, to match the confidence and reassurance you aim to provide with your words.
Eye contact is key. As isolated as we are from one another right now, an on-camera presentation provides an opportunity to forge a connection. New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern is a master at this, as she demonstrated in a Facebook Live Q & A in March — using facial expressiveness and natural hand gestures that make it feel like she is having a one-on-one conversation with whomever is on the other side.
You can achieve this too. How? Imagine yourself speaking to one person, and think of your camera as their eyes. Try taping a photo of someone you care about to the back of your laptop, right above the camera, and talking directly to them. Use hand gestures and body language however you would normally.
If you’re addressing a smaller group, Brady Bunch style, you’ll still want to look at the camera, rather than looking down at, say, the person on the lower left, but stay aware of the group as a whole. Their own body language can help you gauge how your message is coming across.
And if you’re obliged to speak from a specific environment, looking out at empty chairs, try the technique of this Italian priest, who taped photos of his parishioners to the pews so he could deliver his sermon to them. Even an audience of one is better than an empty room.
Stand and deliver. You may find that it’s easier to speak and more natural to gesture if you are on your feet. That’s great — just set up your camera accordingly, or consider investing in a tripod stand that allows you to convert your iPad or tablet into a standing camera.
Third, make it engaging.
Vary your vocals. In the best of times, a monotonous delivery is dull. In our current circumstances, it’s dreadful. Remember that your listeners are stuck at home, sitting more than usual, deprived of their usual outlets for activity. Put life and energy into your voice. Keep your audience not just awake but engaged. This may not be their only video exchange of the day, so make it stand out from the pack.
Shorter is sweeter. Keep it brief. Now is not the time to say everything there is to say. Try writing your key points on sticky-notes on the back of your computer; this will help you cover the essentials, while maintaining that initial eye contact. You can always distribute a fact sheet, memo, or FAQ to supplement your spoken words.
Finally, remember why face-to-face communication matters: Because people need other people, and your team needs to see and hear from you.
On-camera communication can help you boost morale, build trust, and create connection. And in these physically distanced times, those things are more important than ever.
— Heather Kahn Braver & Vinca LaFleur
Heather Kahn Braver, president of Braver Communications, trains some of the world’s highest-profile leaders to be more effective communicators. She has 25 years of television news experience and anchored the number one rated newscast at WCVB-TV in Boston. Vinca LaFleur is managing partner of West Wing Writers.
