After a year with so many changes, the way we all live & communicate is now more than ever, all about image! Video conferencing and video presentations have become a normal part of the way we work, 'Zoom-ing' where we would have met in person not so long ago. I am lucky to feel comfortable in front of the camera, counting on my natural skills and years of experience on TV and facing live audiences, but of course, it's far easier for some more than others. There are however ways to improve the impression you make through that small camera on your Mac or PC, and here are a couple of basic tips to help you feel more confident as you include the use of videos to broadcast and support your business.
A Treble of Tips:
First of all, the importance of first impressions! Dressing the way you normally would dress with clients will not only help you to feel at ease, but it will also present a professional image, the one you've worked on for years! I can't tell you the number of meetings I've had with people looking really drab, some in T-shirts and tracky daks, which of course makes them feel comfortable as they are working from home, but does it help to provide the right impression? For any of of us working in the creative and design industry, presentation is paramount, so don't drop your standards! A few tips:
Choose an appropriate background! How many shocking backdrops have you seen with online meetings? I've seen piled laundry in the background, artworks slanting to one side and pine bookshelves (yes PINE! LOL) cluttered to the brim! I get that people are working from home, and YES it’s been a crazy year for everyone, but take a minute to consider what room you’re going to sit in or what wall or background is best for your next video encounter! It's not about having the most expensive or amazing home, but good taste, so take a minute to see your set from the camera’s point of view, consider what's on show, straighten that damn picture and combine a few simple objects to present the best image you can. While on zoom, all of our eyes wander, we can't help it, so make your presenting job a little easier by giving your clients something nice to focus on!
Breath! When the nerves seem to get the best of your video recording, do not hesitate and stammer: slow down and breath in. Good breathing helps you talk properly and keep a smile on your face. If the video is live then asking questions to your clients or audience is a good way to give yourself time to catch up with the breathing, relax and smile again.
Practice will of course help you relax in front of the camera and never forget that even consummate professionals have bad days, or get unstoppable giggles or glitch around words that would usually seem so easy to utter, so relax and with a few simple tweaks you too will be presenting like a pro! Have a look at the video below, shot just a few weeks ago, and kindly (yeah right!!) put together by my team for us to have a good laugh. What started as a little stumble of words soon became a glitch I could not get past… well I’m just human after all. If something like this happens to you, don't let it ruin your mood for the rest of the filming. How? Be prepared to laugh at yourself!
As part of the International Seminar series this year for DECOR AND DESIGN 360. I will be presenting "Practical Tips For The Busy Designer", LIVE from my studio on Wednesday 30th of September 2020 at 3pm. In addition to sharing how I take my clients through the design and finishes selections process, and how I've had to adapt my practice to the COVID restrictions, I'll also be sharing a whole range of tips to help everyone, look better and feel more confident in front of the Camera so you too can be super ZOOM ready! Find all details about this and other upcoming workshops HERE.
See you there?
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.