Hey Reader! 👋

Ever joined a video call and wondered why you look like you're calling from a cave?

You know what I'm talking about: You're about to share your big idea in the team meeting when you catch a glimpse of yourself. Double chin from that low camera angle. Shadows making you look tired. Your face is so dark people probably think you're working from a closet!

Left unfixed, these video call fails can hurt your professional image. They might even cost you that promotion or client deal you've been working towards.

Instead, what if you could transform your video presence in just a few quick minutes? Imagine looking polished and professional every time you click "Join Meeting" – without buying expensive gear.

Let's see how four simple tweaks can make you look like you have a professional film crew (using stuff you already own)!

Let's dive in! 👇

🎥 Perfect your camera angle

Looking professional on video starts with camera placement. I cringe every time I see someone hunched over their laptop, giving everyone a great view up their nose! After working remotely for the past 5 years, I can tell you that camera height is the quickest way to boost your on-screen presence.

Think about it: TV anchors always look directly into the camera at eye level. They know this angle makes them appear confident and engaging. When your camera sits too low, you're forced to look down, creating an unflattering angle and poor posture. But raise that camera to eye level, and suddenly you're commanding attention like a pro.

The best part? You don't need fancy equipment. Those heavy books collecting dust on your shelf? They're about to become your secret weapon for the perfect camera angle. Just stack them under your laptop until your camera lines up with your eyes.

If you want a proper laptop stand, I recommend the Twelve South Curve SE.

Pro Tip: Take a quick selfie before and after adjusting your camera height. You'll be amazed at the difference.

Wanna see something funny?

Here’s a photo of my remote work setup at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I used a diaper box on top of a dresser as a makeshift standing workspace. Hey, ya gotta start somewhere, right? 😆

🎙️ Sound like a pro

Ever notice how some people on video calls sound like they're in a professional recording studio while others sound like they're talking through a tin can?

Here's a surprising secret: That crisp, clear audio often comes from a dedicated external microphone. The closer the mic is to your mouth, the clearer your voice will be.

Remember those white Apple EarPods that came with your old iPhone? They work surprisingly well for video calls!

I discovered this by accident when my expensive wireless earbuds died right before an important client call. I dug out my old Apple EarPods, plugged them into my MacBook's headphone jack, and was shocked – my clients said I sounded better than ever!

The magic is in the design: That tiny microphone on the earbud cord sits at the perfect distance from your mouth, picking up your voice clearly while filtering out room noise. Plus, since it's wired, you never have to worry about battery life or Bluetooth connection issues.

Pro Tip: Even if you own AirPods or other wireless earbuds, keep a pair of wired EarPods at your desk as a reliable backup. They're like the Swiss Army knife of audio – simple, reliable, and surprisingly effective.

If you want an upgraded pick for an external mic, I recommend the Elgato Wave Neo.

🔍 Never skip your tech check

We've all been there – starting a important call with "Can you hear me?" or realizing halfway through that your video is frozen. After countless awkward moments in my own remote career, I discovered that a 30-second tech check saves hours of embarrassment.

Enter HandMirror, your personal pre-call assistant. This free Mac app lives in your menu bar and lets you preview exactly how others will see you. With an easy $6 in-app upgrade, HandMirror will also let you check your mic so others will hear you properly. Think of it like checking your teeth for spinach before a big meeting – but for your digital appearance! One quick check and you'll never start a call wondering if your mic is working.

I make this part of my pre-call routine, just like grabbing my coffee or reviewing my notes. It's become second nature, and my calls start smoothly every time.

Pro Tip: Download HandMirror (it's free!) and test your setup 5 minutes before every important call. Your colleagues will notice the difference.

💡 Light up your best side

Bad lighting can make you look tired or unprofessional, even with perfect camera placement. But here's the secret I learned from my photographer friend:

The magic happens when you position a light source at a 45-degree angle in front of you, slightly above eye level. This creates what photographers call "Rembrandt lighting" – named after the famous painter who used this technique in his portraits. It softens shadows, makes your eyes sparkle, and gives your face a natural, professional glow.

Don't have a fancy LED ring light? No problem! Any desk lamp will do. I used my cheap desk lamp for months before upgrading, and it worked perfectly fine.

Pro Tip: Grab any lamp you have and position it at arm's length, slightly above eye level and to one side of your computer. Watch how the shadows on your face change as you move it around until you find your sweet spot.

If you do want to use a nice LED light, I recommend the Logitech Litra Glow or Elgato Key Light as an upgraded option.

✨ Your next call awaits!

Ready to put these tips into action? Start with just one change today – I recommend fixing your camera height first. It's the quickest win with the biggest impact.

Here's a fun challenge: Take a before and after selfie of your video call setup. Notice how much more professional you look with these adjustments! Share your transformation with me by replying to this email – I love seeing your workspace upgrades! 📸

Remember: Every small improvement adds up to a more professional presence. Your next video call is your chance to shine!

Until next time, see ya! 👋

Gannon

P.S. Grab a copy of my FREE Remote Pro's Video Presence Checklist to help make your video calls look and sound great!