Page 48 - February 2020

ONLINE CONNECTIONS

Tips for a Better Online Presence - Part 2

Michelle Alba-Lim, DTM

Last month, we talked about turning on your webcam, making eye contact, and positioning your device
properly. Hopefully, you’ve had an opportunity to apply some of the tips. As we know from psychology and
education, unless we use what we learn as soon as possible (some say within 24 hours!) chances are we will
forget it. This month, we will talk about lighting, audio, background, and video.

Use Adequate Lighting delivers good quality sound. Microsoft Live

If you have them, use two soft lamps to Chat also works well but costs a bit more. Make
your right and left side, and a slightly stronger sure that you buy a headset that allows both
light in front of you. Your background may be LISTEN and TALK. Specify that you will use

illuminated, but NOT brighter than the lighting it for SPEECH, not music. Unlike video where
on your face. Otherwise, you will be back-lighted. the recommended default is ON, with audio
If you have windows, sit facing them rather than MUTE yourself unless you are speaking. Nothing
with your back to them. Natural daylight will is more distracting than the sound of typing

look natural! However, be aware of how the light on a keyboard, rustling paper, breathing or
changes at different times of the day. You don’t coughing, or other extraneous sounds. Once
want to have the sun shining into your eyes! Also you’ve unmuted yourself to speak (by clicking
be aware of the illumination from your computer on the microphone icon), don’t ask “Can you

screen. If you can avoid wearing eyeglasses, do hear me?” The Toastmaster will let you know if
so. If you absolutely must use eyeglasses, try you’re not audible.
one of these techniques: 1) Reduce your screen
brightness. 2) Position your lights so they don’t Manage Your Background

reflect directly off your glasses. 3) Use a screen Some people like to use virtual backgrounds
filter. No need for pricey filters. Used dryer sheets (with or without a green screen). That’s fine
work just as well (see photo). provided it doesn’t become distracting.
Personally, I prefer to use my real background.
Watch Your Audio Plain light-colored background works better than

If you plan on attending online regularly, dark backgrounds.
a headset would be an excellent investment. If you have furniture or other items behind
Logitech is a reasonably-priced brand that you, make sure that they are tidy and not too

48 ONE COMMUNITY