Page 39 - January 2020

counterintuitive. Our

natural tendency is to
look at people while
speaking. Ironically,
on camera you will

look like you’re
avoiding eye contact!
When I was
learning this skill,

I used to stick a
bright-colored post-it
with a target drawn
on it, and hole cut out

for the webcam as the
bullseye. Now I no longer
need the bullseye and am often simply
complimented for my excellent eye lean your

contact during online meetings. phone against a
book or other object that will keep it steady and
Position Your Device Properly—Have your approximately at eye level.
webcam approximately at eye level. If it is higher Positioning also includes considering the

than eye level, you will appear to be looking distance between you and your device. For most
UP at the camera. This will usually happen webcams, 2-3 ft works well. If you sit too close to
only when using a PC with an external webcam the webcam, your face will fill up your viewers
mounted over the PC monitor. You can solve this screens and your gestures won’t be visible. If

by sitting on a lower chair or moving your PC you sit too far away, your facial expression will
to a lower table (in relation to your chair). The be barely visible. Plus, you will appear to be
more common issue is with laptops where the disengaged or disinterested.
webcam is usually below eye level. The situation

is aggravated when you tilt the laptop screen up, In Part 2 we will explore managing “stage”
making it look like you’re looking DOWN your lighting, background. and audio, as well as when its
nose. Solution? Elevate your device. a good idea to turn off your webcam. All tips that will
I use an empty shoebox that raises my laptop help you shine online!

camera to eye level. You can use whatever is For questions about clubs that you can attend
handy (books, phone directories, etc.). You can do online, contact toastmaster.michelle@gmail.com
the same if you’re using your smartphone. If you
have a smartphone holder or stand, great! If not,

VOICES! | JANUARY 2020 39