13 Tips to Look More Professional On Your Next Zoom Call

We are all spending a lot more time on Zoom calls these days and as such, I have seen a lot of conference call faux pas. Here at Maui Mastermind, we have been working virtually for over 10 years, so while we may be pros, it’s understandable that for many this is a completely new way of doing business and communicating. Today I wanted to share a list of tips and tricks to help you look more professional on your next Zoom call or meeting.

  1. Check Your Camera Position: Set your webcam to eye level and frame your head near the top. This makes you appear taller and more capable. Avoid awkward camera angles.
  2. Lighting is Key: Use diffused front lighting and avoid open windows behind you that cause backlighting.
  3. Can You Hear Me? Avoid using your webcam’s built-in mic. Use a quality headset or professional mic to eliminate echoes and improve sound. Learn to use mute effectively.
  4. Contrast Matters: Choose clothing colors that stand out from your background. Skip the sweats and opt for a shirt that looks good on camera.
  5. Clean Up Your Space: Be intentional about your background. If needed, use a Zoom virtual background to hide clutter.
  6. Make Sure Others Know You’re in a Meeting: Let your household know when you’re on a call to avoid unexpected interruptions.
  7. Remember That You’re On Stage: Avoid eating, zoning out, or making odd faces. If necessary, turn off your camera.
  8. Smile 😊 and Nod: Non-verbal cues show engagement and help build rapport.
  9. Use a “Pretty Link”: Share custom-branded links to your meeting rooms for easy access and professionalism.
  10. Learn the Security Features: Zoom’s security settings are simple to use and important to learn.
  11. Don’t Share Your Whole Screen: Share only the application window you want others to see, and stop sharing when you’re done.
  12. Zoom In on Shared Documents: Enlarge content for readability and use cursor movement to guide attention.
  13. Apply In-Person Meeting Best Practices: Use a solid agenda, engage attendees, and send follow-up notes with clear action items.