Page 41 - June 2020

and start making cute cat videos (also cute cat video; with NO CAT (he disappeared
so your viewers won’t get distracted and into the background)!
switch to cute cat videos). One final tip: Have fun! If you are enjoying

what you’re doing so will your viewing audience
A few more Pro tips (at least if they can hear you clearly, and stop

Position your monitor or laptop so the center staring at your cat.)
of your screen is at eye level. Then you can look

at the webcam OR the person speaking and still
maintain good eye contact (it won’t look
like you are looking down all the time.)
Preview your audio. Using your audio

recording software speak into your
microphone briefly, recording what you
say. Then play it back. You might do this
more than once, experimenting with

different microphones or placements. If
you notice any issues, resolve them before
your meeting, interview, or podcast.
Preview your video. Using your

video software look at yourself and
your surroundings. Remove clutter or
distractions. Play with some lighting
options to improve picture clarity. Make

sure your clothing and background work
well with you and the cat.
If your cat insists on a background
for you, try it first. Often you, and/or any

visual aids, disappear into the background
(even some parts of you disappear.) Then
the cat has to go looking for you, or it, or
them, and you end up making another

VOICES! | JUNE 2020 41