Background and environment

Avoid visual distractions behind the speaker.

Camera framing not only captures the speaker, but also his or her context. Everything in the shot communicates something.

A cluttered background, with clothes lying around, closet doors open or people passing behind, acts as "visual noise" that competes for the viewer's attention.

Instead of listening to the sales pitch, the audience will be analyzing the books on the shelf or trying to guess what that strange object on the table in the background is. The environment must be intentional.

You don't need a TV studio; a plain wall, a neat bookshelf or a quiet corner will do.

If a virtual background is used, make sure the software cuts out the silhouette well to avoid strange visual effects where parts of the body disappear as it moves.

The goal is for the background to be neutral or to provide authority (such as a clean office environment), but never to become the protagonist of the scene, stealing the focus from the speaker.

Take care of the camera angle

The position of the camera determines the power relationship with the viewer.

A very common mistake in video calls is to place the laptop on the table and speak looking down at the screen.

This generates a contrapposto angle that deforms the face (double chin) and projects an unflattering image of superiority or disinterest.

Conversely, if the camera is too high, the speaker appears small and childish. The correct technique is to raise the device until the lens is at or slightly above eye level.

This simulates a face-to-face conversation on equal terms, resulting in a much more natural, aesthetic and professional image.

Laptop stands or simply a stack of books can be used to achieve the proper height, ens