Virtual meetings have their own set of professional standards — and most people are unknowingly breaking several of them. In this episode, Peter George walks through the practical adjustments that separate someone who simply "shows up on Zoom" from someone who shows up professionally. From arriving early and choosing the right microphone to managing your background and framing yourself correctly on screen, each tip is specific, actionable, and immediately applicable. And if you're experiencing Zoom fatigue or feeling the pressure of always being "on," you're not alone — that's acknowledged here too.
The tip that surprises most people: looking at the screen during a video call is not the same as making eye contact. To make eye contact on camera, you have to look at the camera — not at the person's face. It's counterintuitive, it takes practice, and it makes a noticeable difference in how connected and credible you appear. These are the kinds of small, specific adjustments that add up to a polished, professional presence on any video platform.
Welcome to Public Speaking with Peter George. I'm Peter George, public speaking trainer, speaker, and award-winning author of The Captivating Public Speaker. In this episode, you're going to hear several tips you can implement immediately that'll help you more effectively use video conference platforms such as Zoom — and in doing so, demonstrate the same level of professionalism you would in any face-to-face meeting.
Before we get into it, I want to acknowledge something. If you're feeling a little burnt out from Zoom, self-conscious, or under constant pressure because you're always "on" during these meetings — you're not alone. I've heard from many business associates who feel exactly this way. It's even picked up a couple of names: Zoomitis and Zoom Burnout. These tips will hopefully help alleviate some of that.
Arrive Early
Many of us figure: my meeting's at 1 p.m., I can log on at 12:59 and still be early. Maybe 99% of the time, that's fine. But what about that one time when there's a snafu with the platform and it takes longer than expected? Your credibility is at stake — whether you're in person or virtual. Arrive early.
Use a Better Microphone
When you speak, you want to be clear so others don't have to strain to understand you. Most built-in computer microphones simply aren't that good. If you have the capability, use an external microphone — a headset with a boom mic, or even the AirPods that came with your phone. They work on some computers and not others, but if you can find a way to use a better mic, the others on the call will notice and appreciate it. If you're stuck with your computer's built-in mic, speak clearly and a little more slowly than you normally would.
Mute Is Your Friend
Whether it's wanted or unwanted sound, the mute button is your friend. Keep yourself muted whenever you're not speaking. You never know when the dog is going to bark or a family member is going to walk through. Get in the habit of muting from the moment you're on, unmuting a second or two before you speak, and muting again the moment you're done. The others on the call will appreciate it.
Be Aware of Your Background
It's not just what people can hear — it's what they can see. Be very aware of what's behind you. A plain wall? Fine. A wall with mementos and photographs? Perfect. Your office library? Excellent. A sink full of dirty dishes? Maybe not. Someone running through the bedroom behind you? Definitely not. And yes, it has happened. Think before you log on.
Camera at Eye Level
We all know how important eye contact is in communication. The first step to achieving it on video is making sure your camera is at eye level. If you're on a desktop, raise or lower your chair until your eyes are in line with the camera. If you're on a laptop, adjust the laptop itself — don't just plop it on the desk and tilt the screen back so the camera is shooting up at you. Get that camera at eye level.
Frame Yourself Correctly
Once your camera is at eye level, think about how far away you are from it. Some people are too close — their face fills the entire frame. Others sit so far back their head takes up only a fraction of the screen. Think of a television news broadcast: you typically see the anchor's head, shoulders, and chest. That's your target framing. Comfortable and proportional.
Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
Here's the part that trips up almost everyone. When we're on a video call, our instinct is to look at the person we're speaking to — to look at their face on the screen. But when you look at the screen, you're not making eye contact on their end. To make eye contact, you have to look at the camera.
When someone else is speaking to the group, you can look at the screen — that's comfortable and natural. But when someone is speaking directly to you, or when you are speaking, look at the camera. On their end, they will see you looking right at them.
It takes some getting used to, but it makes a significant difference in how present and engaged you appear.
Quick Recap
Arrive early. Use an external microphone if possible. Mute yourself when you're not speaking. Be aware of what's visible behind you. Camera at eye level. Frame yourself the way a news anchor would — head, shoulders, chest. And look at the camera when you're speaking or being spoken to directly. Implement these at your next Zoom meeting, and you'll be every bit as professional in a virtual setting as you are in person.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Public Speaking with Peter George. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let's make it happen. I'll see you next time.
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