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Shutterstock_1689579709While your day-to-day routine may have changed in the last few months due to COVID-19, your meetings probably haven’t fallen off your calendar. Many organizations are turning to virtual meetings, utilizing cameras and audio connections to keep work going and employees engaged. 

Just because you’re at home and without a studio doesn’t mean you can’t look your best. Our Multimedia team put together a video with three key things you need to master to keep yourself looking and sounding good. Here’s what they said:

1. Who said looks don’t matter? When your video comes up on your colleagues’ screens, you want to make sure that you look professional and polished. Start with your set-up. Your background should look tidy and professional — with no visual “noise” to distract people. If you chose to use a virtual background, select one that is clean and simple. The AICPA has made some available for you!

While work attire has become increasingly casual amid this pandemic, it’s still important to maintain your professional image. Take a few minutes to brush your hair and change into atop before your first video call of the day. If you tend to be a bit shiny, use a few pats of powder to reduce the glisten.

2. Bring your light and let it shine! Lighting is crucial to a quality video call. Luckily, you already have everything you need. Utilize natural light by sitting in front of a window. If the sun isn’t shining, you can turn on an overhead light or a desk lamp.

If you’re ready to take your light game to the next level, you can purchase a low-cost LED ring light or a standing lamp.

3. Say it loud and proud. The last thing you want to hear after all the time you spent making your video look great is, “We can’t hear you.” Conduct your calls in a quiet room to help eliminate background noise. Let your family know you need an hour of quiet time and put the dog or cat somewhere else.

Ideally, you’ll use a headset or headphones that have a mic included. If these are not available, check that your room doesn’t make you sound like you’re in a can. Try a room with carpet and soft furniture. These will absorb some of the sound and eliminate the echo. If you’re sitting in front of a window, close it to prevent a breeze hitting your mic.

Using these tips, you’ll be a videoconference pro. If you’re ready to take your virtual presentation skills to the next level, check out these human intelligence tips you can implement at your next meeting.

We know that adjusting to new ways of working can be tricky, and we’re here for you during this time of uncertainty. For more resources, visit the AICPA Coronavirus Resource Center.

Association Staff

Originally published by AICPA.org