Don't be a dark shadow or glowing blob when you are on-camera in a video conference! Tips:
Don't sit by a window, you will be a silhouette, but move things around so the light from the window shines on you. Make sure any lights behind you are turned off.
Turn on lights that light your face, and even take off lampshades to make you look well lit.
Sit up straight--slouching looks really awful on camera.
What's behind you? Distracting stuff? Stray clothing? A window with traffic distracting viewers? Straighten up the background.
In many video conference apps, you can select a fake background, or upload a photo as a background. Ideal for when you can't control the appearance of the room you are in.
Before you log on to your meeting, look at yourself in the screen in Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc. and verify the lighting, background, your clothing and hair look their best.
If you are in a noisy environment, you can get a headphone/microphone for your computer or phone. That will reduce background noise for you and those on the other side.
And of course mute your mic when not speaking!
Happy conferencing.
