

And ample light in a room is a good thing for many reasons. Screen light will always mix with ambient room light, so try different display settings as you look at yourself in a test web conference. The blue light from your device is never flattering on your face. One way to combat it is to find the display controls that set it to a warmer shade or "color temperature." Phones often call this "blue light filter" or "night mode." The light bathing your face from a device screen is usually a shade of blue that makes you look like a cadaver or zombie. The goal is to transmit your voice with a closeness and warmth that commands attention on the other end. You always admired Madonna, here's your change to wear her gear. An inexpensive but effective choice is a single earcup wired headset with a boom mic. At the very least, use earbuds that have a microphone in the cable or advanced wireless earbuds with multiple noise-canceling microphones. Don't rely on the crummy internal mic in your device - it can't help but pick up the entire room or car around you and mix it with a big dose of garbling echo. There's an old maxim in the audiovisual business that good sound makes video look better.

A few degrees difference in eye line makes a big difference in appearance at this close distance. Look at the camera once in a while, not just at what's on the display. Of course you'll look away to consult what's on your screen, but try to maintain regular eye contact with the camera, especially when you're talking. But that gives you an odd, distracted look that subtly tells the other party something interests you more than them.

The natural temptation is to just look at your screen, below the camera, where the other participants are. Once you have your camera at the right height, don't forget to look at it. You don't need a fancy aluminum laptop stand or phone mount: A stack of books or coffee mug on a shelf will often do. That's how humans are meant to look at each other. Use anything you can to get your device camera up to eye level.

Put something under your laptop or find a way to set your phone or tablet so the camera is at the same height as your eyes. The camera in your laptop lid, phone or tablet is perfectly placed - to look up your nose. New US travel policy: 9 things to know if you're taking an international trip.Free DIY rapid COVID test kits at home: Here's how and when you'll get yours.Omicron FAQ: What to know today about the COVID variant and symptoms.
