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Zoom 101: Make Your Video Calls Look and Sound Better With These Tricks
Possibly the most used phrase of 2020 is "Can you hear me now?!"

As the year comes to a close, there is one thing everyone should have learned by now: how to video call. But, if you find yourself to be an awkward and fumbling mess on Zoom calls, barely illuminated by your dusty desk lamp, with lagging sound, you've come to the right place. We've chatted to William Mulders, videographer extraordinaire and co-founder of Two Fellas Media to get his best tips and tricks. After all, a video call is all about just that - the video!

Read on to up your virtual meeting game. You'll be a pro Zoomer in no time!

Lights, Camera, Audio...
It's All About The Lighting
"Lighting is the difference between looking good and looking your worst," says Mulders. "Natural lighting is best."

Make sure that light is hitting your face straight on by setting up your computer in front of a window. If you don't have a window, use a lamp instead by placing it behind your computer. If your light source comes from behind you, you will end up being drowned out with not much more than a silhouette being visible. "If the light is coming from behind you it will make you look darker. Make sure there is enough light on your face, but not enough to be blown out (too bright)."
Getting The Right Camera Angle
When it comes to getting the perfect frame, the right camera angle and body positioning makes all the difference. "Make sure you are positioned well in the shot - a medium close-up is best, and don't cut off your head. Leave some headroom," says Mulders. Your camera should face you head-on and be placed at eye-level. If you're joining a video call on your phone, rest it on a stand to avoid a shaky video and place it in a horizontal orientation.

Fix Your Audio
One of the most important things when video calling is that your surroundings are quiet. If you can hear Netflix playing on the TV behind you, kids running around in the background, or your roommate blending up a smoothie in the kitchen, not only is it distracting to whoever you're speaking to, it's also unprofessional. If you won't be alone, make sure to let those around you know when you have a call.

Next up, be sure to mute your microphone when you're not talking. It's respectful and avoids any background noise from coming through.

"Be nice and clear when you speak", says Mulders. Audio from a computer microphone is harder to hear properly or understand when compared to having an in-person conversation.
A Good Connection Is Key
With your WiFi, that is (but hey, Zoom calls are more enjoyable if you actually want to speak to the other person!)

"Make sure your internet connection is working well and the video doesn't jump," says Mulders. If your connection is slow or unreliable, not only will you miss potentially important parts of the call, it also becomes frustrating for the people listening to you when you keep freezing or your sound lags. Try to improve your WiFi signal, or consider using data and hot-spotting your laptop before jumping on your next call.
A bonus tip from Mulders: "Try not move around too much. It's distracting."

With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you'll be sailing smoothly through the sea of virtual meetings, conferences, and conversations in no time.