Webcam Tips and Techniques

Using a webcam is quickly becoming the normal in web conference and in the next 3 years we will see the number of people using webcam technology increasing dramatically. The reason is simple, according to a bunch of studies, including one from the National Academy of Science, find that Auditory recognition memory is inferior to visual recognition memory…in other words…seeing is believing.

When people can see you it helps build relationships, it puts a face to your voice. When in fact you do meet them, you will be someone familiar, someone they know. You will be much further down the relationship building road.

Additionally, using a webcam gives you the ability to add facial expressions and body language to your presentation. This inevitably will be more engaging for your audience. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, conducted several studies on nonverbal communication. He found that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc). Doing an online presentation with no webcam will make your presentation 55% less effective, do you really want that kind of handicap?

Lighting – Avoid having any major source of light behind you. There are several options for purchasing lighting for a simple lighting setup. I will provide some recommended options on the resource page after this video. Here is a light that you can adjust and have facing you: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8JWRSU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_4-.iDb0PHWCN5

Webcam Placement – This involves two major areas. First, the height of the webcam should be at eye level. This gives you the ability to have a more natural eye contact with your audience. Secondly, today most people are using 2 monitors and you can’t look at both at the same time. You want your webcam to be on the primary monitor that you are presenting, otherwise you will strike out on your ability to simulate eye contact. You can convert any desk with a adjustable standing platform that allows you to adjust the hight of your dek: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074NZGJWZ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_j9.iDb3E2W0D7 . Additionally, you can setup a separate webcam (this one has a built in light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075N1BYWB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_nbajDb1WQZ975 and stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNWHQ3K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_baajDbV04P2KN

Separate Microphone – Often time people use the microphone that comes with their laptop, the challenge with this is if you need to present or demonstrate something that requires you to type, your audience will be greatly distracted by all the taping of your keys. This has been especially noticeable with some of Apples issues with loud keyboards on their laptops. Here is an economical microphone: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCKGLTP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_s8.iDbXVJHF96

Background – Controlling what is behind you is crucial. Make sure that there is no major light source behind you because that creates a shadow on your face making it difficult for your audience to see you. Be careful of displaying your favorite sports teams, or other images that could potential affect what people think. Here is an economical green screen kit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NZM37HL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Z6.iDbSNQ9T63

All of these things can either make your presentation much more affective by invoking nonverbal communication, but doing it wrong will only be a distraction. They key to success is practice, practice, practice. Record yourself giving presentations with your lighting, webcam placement, microphone and background to ensure you have it successful.