Ever since the pandemic, video calls have become the “norm” for most companies and their employees. They cut down on commuting, save time and money, and allow us to all stay in our pajamas (at least, from the waist down 😉 ). But how do you present professionally, especially when your video call is being recorded? We’ve got you this week with our tips for successful video call recordings.
How to Record a Video Call
The first step in capturing successful video call recordings is, well, to know how to do it. (Don’t worry, non-techy people…we see you 😉 ). While recording video calls is quite simple, there are multiple platforms on which you may be having your meetings so it’s important to know how each of these functions when it comes to recording. For specific instructions on how to record across multiple platforms, click here.
Another important step prior to pressing record is to gain permission from any and all people involved in your video call recording (should you be in charge of producing the project). Most businesses may record company meetings for reference sake but, should you be independently filming for your own purposes, ensuring it is ok by all participating is always appreciated.
Ensure Good Lighting and Audio
Ok, you know how to press record and are ready to go! But wait, are you ready to go? Before you start filming, take a look at the picture you’ll capture to ensure it’s at its best. Where to start to improve it? Lighting and sound.
These two factors carry a lot of weight when it comes to overall video quality. And they carry just as much weight when it comes to looking (and sounding) your best! How to make these happen for your video call?
- Don’t shoot with a window or strong light source behind you.
- Natural light is more than adequate when it comes to proper lighting.
- Choose a quiet and bright place in which to film.
- Make sure any loud appliances or other devices are turned off or unplugged before recording.
- Using window light off-camera is ok if it falls naturally and evenly on your face.
- Be seated away from any loud vents (AC/heat/etc.), or simply turn them off while filming.
- Be mindful of any “loud” jewelry you may be wearing, so the mic doesn’t pick up any “clanking” sounds when you move.
How to Prep Yourself Before Filming
In addition to preparing the external factors for your video call, it also helps if you prep yourself beforehand. Putting your best foot forward when it comes to your appearance not only looks good but will also make you feel good too.
Hair and makeup are two obvious starting points. As a general rule, “natural” is the look you should be going for; that being said, highlighting your eyes is always a good idea (especially for women), as it is through them we effectively connect with others. Should you be using studio lighting for your face, be sure to add some color so as to not get drowned out by the light source. And a little dab of powder goes a long way in helping to omit any “shine” on your face. Lastly, when it comes to hair, no need to get fancy; brush it and do what is needed to ensure you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed. 🙂
Clothing is another important element of looking good on your video call. Keep in mind to not wear any logos, writing, or other distracting graphics. These come across as unprofessional (unless it is a company logo, in which case, that should be fine). Adding to this, avoid patterns with small stripes or dots, as these can create strange visual effects.
Technical Elements to Help Your Video Recording
With the above factors out of the way, we wanted to list a few more technical elements that are important for a smooth video call recording below.
- Make sure you have a strong internet signal on your device/laptop, to ensure an uninterrupted call.
- Don’t sit with your back against the wall. Instead position yourself at least five or six feet from it, if the space allows. This will create a nicer look, and add depth to the shot.
- Position your laptop at eye level (if needed, put it on a stand or some books).
- Mute yourself when not speaking (to lessen any background noise and improve overall sound).
- Maintain regular eye contact with the camera. This promotes engagement and connection to other people in your meeting.
Have Fun and Keep It Genuine
Last (but definitely not least) be sure to have fun, and stay authentic. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in nerves before a video call recording, and come across as stressed or unfocused during it. So, remember to relax and be yourself. Identify the objective and why it’s being filmed in the first place, and try to focus on that. And if feeling nervous before or during recording, take a pause and breathe. Sometimes taking a moment is all we need to re-center.
Another way to help ease any tension is to do a mental walk-through on how you’d like it to go. Visualize the best-case scenario of filming it, as well as prepping anything you’d like to say (be it memorizing or just making bullet points to go through beforehand). Preparation is key to having confidence.
If you execute the technical steps above, and prepare yourself as best you can, your video call recording should be a breeze.