How to Look and Sound Better on Video Calls

Small adjustments to lighting, camera position, and audio can make a huge difference in how you appear on Zoom, FaceTime, or any video call.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Put light in front of you, not behind
2.Position the camera at eye level
3.Look at the camera, not the screen
4.Improve your audio
5.Choose a clean, simple background

Put light in front of you, not behind

~29s

The most common mistake: sitting with a bright window or lamp behind you. This makes you look like a dark silhouette. Instead, face a window or lamp — put the light source in front of you, shining on your face. Natural window light is ideal. If your room is dark, use a lamp or even a ring light (they're inexpensive) pointed at your face.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: This single change — facing a light source — does more to improve your video appearance than any camera upgrade.

Position the camera at eye level

~18s

If you're on a laptop, the camera is usually below eye level, making people look up your nose. Raise the laptop on a stack of books so the camera is at eye level. If using a phone, prop it up or use a stand so it faces you straight on, not from below.

Look at the camera, not the screen

~19s

It feels natural to look at the other person's face on screen, but that means your eyes are pointed down. To make eye contact, look directly at the camera lens (the tiny dot at the top of the screen or laptop lid). This makes you appear engaged and present to the other person.

Improve your audio

~17s

Your built-in microphone picks up all room noise. For better sound: sit in a quiet room, close doors and windows during the call, and consider using earbuds or headphones with a built-in microphone — even cheap ones dramatically reduce echo and background noise. Apple EarPods or basic Android earbuds work well.

Choose a clean, simple background

~27s

Your background should be tidy and not distracting. A plain wall or a neat bookshelf works well. If your space is cluttered, consider using a virtual background in Zoom (check the video settings in Zoom before the call starts). Keep it simple — avoid busy pattern backgrounds that can be distracting.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Before any important call, join a minute early to check your video preview. What do you see? Is it lit well? Is the angle right? Adjust before the other person joins.

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You've probably been on a video call where someone looks dark and shadowy, or you can barely hear them over background noise, or the camera is pointed at their ceiling. It doesn't have to be that way. A few simple adjustments can make you look and sound much more professional and put-together — whether you're catching up with grandchildren, attending a telehealth appointment, or joining a community meeting.

The biggest improvements come from lighting and camera angle. These are free to fix and make a dramatic difference. Good audio is the second priority — nothing is more frustrating than not being able to hear or understand someone. This guide covers everything you need to make your next video call much more pleasant.

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