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Videoconferencing at work? A date on a gadget screen? Online meeting with relatives? Video communication is our new reality, and we have to adapt to it. What challenges do we face, and what tips can help us show ourselves in a positive light?
Remote work and self-isolation contribute to the active development of online communication. There are a lot more work and personal video chats in our lives, and this form of contact has its own specifics.
In the world of screens
Having to work from home can be worrisome. There is a so-called side mirror effect, when, while watching the interlocutors on the screen, we simultaneously see ourselves.
We look and think how we look in the eyes of others and how they seem to us. The laptop is on a pile of books, relatives in home clothes walk behind us. Chocolate wrappers are scattered on the table. We notice who at 9 am has the best makeup and styling, catchy jewelry, bright lip gloss, and who does not. It interferes with work and reduces attention.
In addition, having to do other work in the background while the camera is on can cause confusion and discomfort – few people are used to being under close supervision for most of the working day.
However, the “side mirror effect” is not everyone’s concern. Separation Anxiety author Laura Siegman writes, “I don’t care how I look. I am too worried about the health of my family and friends, the future of our world as a whole, to suffer from such narcissism. There are far more important things to worry about than figuring out why I look like my father on screen.”
Some people show themselves from an unexpected side. For example, a typical introvert in front of the camera can become active and very sociable because they are physically at home, in a comfortable environment.
Some people enjoy putting on their best shirts and putting on make-up, creating an image on camera and admiring themselves. And for some, video calls can be even more effective than live meetings.
Video Chat Tips
Whether we like it or not, video communication is work on camera. And if it is important for us to leave the right impression about ourselves, we need to take into account some laws of the genre.
Alexey Bogaevsky, CTO of a large Russian online marketplace, says: “In the most popular Zoom platform today, you can choose a virtual background that allows you to add personalization elements … well, at the same time closes other family members from interlocutors.
You can choose a ready-made one – for example, you will find yourself on the beach or in zero gravity – or download a high-resolution picture and use it. There is room for creativity here – colleagues use photos with carpets with humor, and those who really miss work put a picture of our office.
Olga Urban, make-up artist, blogger, believes that in order to keep the attention of interlocutors, it is important to look aesthetically pleasing. There are several points to take into account:
- Shine. Ideal lighting is daylight. You can arrange a place for shooting right next to the window by placing the camera on the windowsill. If the broadcasts are in the evening, it would be good to use a fluorescent lamp. Worst of all, the face will look in the upper yellow light. There will be bruises, bags and extra shadows on the face.
- Camera location. Try to put it vertically, at eye level. If the camera is lower, then a second chin may appear. If slightly higher, then the neck will look short and stoop will appear. It is necessary that the chair is comfortable, and the legs are on the floor and the back is straight.
- Makeup. Even if you are used to not wearing makeup, it makes sense to do at least minimal makeup – an even skin tone, no bruising under the eyes, a slight blush, a clear ciliary contour and eyebrows.
- Hair. At home, people relax and forget that the camera shows all the shortcomings of the hairstyle. For a good “picture” you need a clean head, light styling or a neat tail.
- Clothing. Better monophonic, not distracting the interlocutor. Be sure to be clean and ironed.
“If you live with a family, agree on privacy in advance”
Abalmasova Natalia, psychologist, gestalt therapist
To feel more confident in online communication, you should first take care of your own safety and comfort.
Organization of space is important for safety. By communicating online, you let people into your home, open up the boundaries of your personal territory, even if it is virtual. What do you want to show and what to hide? Check in advance what part of your home environment will be visible to the interlocutor.
If you live with a family, agree on privacy in advance, this will help to avoid embarrassing situations.
It is worth thinking about your appearance. Choose clothes, hairstyles that you like and maintain a sense of self-confidence. It can be a strict business look or more relaxed, depending on the mood.
Make sure that during the entire meeting you feel comfortable sitting, and let there be something pleasing to the eye in your field of vision – a picture, flowers or decor items, and your favorite cup in your hands. These little details create coziness and comfort.