Be a Zoom whizz
– VIDEO calls are soaring in lockdown they leaving Brits obsessing over how look and behave on screen. contacting Millions of us are wrestling with via apps our friends, family and colleagues such as Zoom and Skype. don’ts, So to guide you on the dos and
TV body JAMES MOORE has recruited reveal her language expert Judi James to top 15 rules…
1. Dress for success: Keep it casual – but not too casual! Dressing up can seem a bit fake at the moment, but showing off your lockdown scruffs can be very off-putting, like Nigel Farage’s too-short shorts, left. Beware of risqué choices that could see you revealing too much.
2. Smalls tip: Make sure everyone in your home knows they might be on public view. The partner of TV’S Trinny Woodall, Charles Saatchi, walked in nude on her live video, above.
3. You’re on! Remember you’re on camera. It might sound obvious but people have accidentally taken conference calls on the toilet.
4. Shoot straight: Frame your appearance beforehand so you’re not fiddling with the camera angle mid-call. Look into the camera, rather than watching your own image in the little box on screen. 5. Sort the background:
Check for embarrassing items, avoid bedrooms, scary all-white backdrops and too many props.
6. Light idea: Swing the camera round to look for the nicest lighting. Sitting with light straight into your face can be more flattering than an overhead or sidelight.
7. Strike a pose: Make sure the camera is level with your face or slightly higher. Peering down makes you look superior.
8. Posture perfect: Sit well but not too upright. Slouching will look arrogant and a lean to the side will suggest you can’t wait to escape.
9. Handy tip: Avoid fiddling – you will look bored – but make sure you keep your hands in shot to make subtle gestures to emphasise what you’re saying.
10. Tech your time: Be patient with delays on the line, expect pauses and avoid interrupting. Book a time, don’t just call. Also, be punctual and ready to go. 11. Mind your language:
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething was caught swearing at a colleague thinking he was on mute. So watch what you and
others are saying, even if you think you can’t be heard. 12. Dating game: Don’t go overboard on the sex signals. Lying spread-eagled on satin sheets with candles around the room might seem like overkill especially with a new partner. 13. It’s not all about you:
Don’t show off and limit emojis and fake backgrounds. Do plan some things to talk about. There’s nothing more embarrassing than conversation drying up on a video call. 14. Food for thought: Only eat and drink if you’ve agreed with the people on the other end that they will be too.
15. Making an exit: It can be tricky knowing when to end a video call, so get a story prepared beforehand – you could even agree a “safe word” with your partner to indicate you’re winding things up. But it’s also OK to admit you’re tired or have work to do and remember it’s also fine to just give people an old-school voice call!