CHAPTER 10Ignoring the Importance of Production Value: The Converged Perspective
Using video in a virtual meeting can provide a porthole to your home for all to see, but too often that view consists of a slice of someone's forehead and a ceiling fan whirling around. You might be thinking, “Has she even looked at her box on the screen?” Or perhaps you are thinking, “What's wrong with just showing your forehead and your ceiling fan?”
Paying proper attention to your production value – the way you look and sound to others on the call – isn't just a matter of vanity. It's about removing any distractions that might detract from your message. And a whirling ceiling fan is very distracting, without a doubt.
When Karin worked in TV news, she had a whole slew of people who made sure she looked and sounded her best. They fixed her lighting, adjusted her audio, and built backdrops and sets that look perfect on camera. However, now all of us are our own production crew – minus the professional expertise.
While you may not have the top‐of‐the‐line equipment or the training of an expert video production crew, you can make small tweaks that can have a big impact on how you come across with either minimal or no financial investment.
In this chapter, we will explore:
- The role of science in virtual meeting design.
- How to choose the best background.
- The importance of lighting and how to leverage what you likely have in your environment.
- How to position your camera and yourself in the frame.
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