How to Look Professional and Confident on Video Calls
Video calls have become a regular part of doing business in Australia, whether you’re touching base with clients from the other side of the country or checking in with your remote team. But let’s be honest — not everyone feels at ease in front of a webcam. The good news is, looking professional and confident on camera is something you can absolutely master with a few simple tweaks.
1. Set Up Your Space Like a Pro (No Fancy Studio Needed)
You don’t need a high-end studio setup, just a tidy, well-lit space. A clean background makes a big difference. Try to avoid sitting in front of cluttered bookshelves or anything too distracting. A plain wall or a minimal background works best. If you’re working from home, even a corner of your lounge room can do the trick — just make sure it’s neat.
A tip from one of our team members at Gray Area Consulting: one of our technicians uses a folding screen behind his desk to block out household chaos during client calls. Works a treat and folds away when not in use.
2. Lighting Matters More Than You Think
Good lighting is key. Natural light is ideal, so try to face a window. If that’s not possible, a basic ring light or a desk lamp behind your screen will help illuminate your face evenly. Avoid sitting with your back to a window — it’ll turn you into a silhouette faster than a sunset at Bondi.
3. Dress the Part (Even If You’re in Thongs Below)
You don’t need to go full suit and tie, but a collared shirt or a smart blouse does wonders to up your video call presence. Keep patterns subtle — bold stripes or loud prints can be distracting or even blurry on camera. And yes, you can still wear your comfy trackies underneath. Just don’t stand up unexpectedly!
4. Eye Contact: Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
This one’s tricky at first. When you’re chatting, it feels natural to look at the person on your screen, but that means you’re not making eye contact from their point of view. Instead, try to look into your camera when you’re speaking. It gives the impression that you’re engaged and confident.
Some of our clients use a sticky note with a smiley face stuck near their webcam to remind them where to look. It’s a little quirky, but it works.
5. Check Your Tech Before the Call
There’s nothing worse than fumbling with settings while everyone waits. Run a quick test of your camera, mic and internet connection before the meeting. If you’re using Microsoft Teams, which we’ve covered in this guide, ensure your settings are working as expected.
Got dodgy Wi-Fi? Consider upgrading your setup or checking out some remote IT support options to keep things running smoothly.
6. Minimise Noise and Interruptions
Dogs barking, kids yelling, or the neighbour firing up the whipper snipper can throw off your focus. Pop on a headset with a noise-cancelling mic if you’re in a lively environment. Mute yourself when you’re not talking. And don’t be afraid to politely ask others in your house or office for quiet during your call.
7. Body Language Still Counts
You might be sitting down, but your body language still tells a story. Sit up straight, nod occasionally, and speak clearly. Avoid fidgeting or checking your phone — it’s obvious and doesn’t scream professionalism.
8. Use Features Wisely
Features like screen sharing and virtual backgrounds can be handy, but use them with care. Virtual backgrounds can be glitchy unless you have a green screen or a solid colour wall behind you. If you’re using Microsoft Teams, take a peek at the latest updates in our Microsoft 365 features overview.
9. Practise Makes Perfect
Like anything, getting better at video calls comes with practice. Record yourself and watch it back, or ask a mate to jump on a test call and give you feedback. You’ll pick up on things you didn’t even realise, like filler words or awkward pauses.
10. Embrace the Awkward — Everyone’s Been There
We’ve all had that moment — talking on mute, frozen screen, or a child crashing the meeting to show you their latest LEGO creation. It’s okay. Own it, have a laugh, and move on. Showing a bit of authentic humanity can actually help build rapport.
Need Help with Your Remote Setup?
If your business is embracing hybrid or remote work and you’re looking to level up your tech setup, we can help. Managed IT services from Gray Area Consulting can ensure your team stays connected, secure and productive — no matter where they’re working from.
Ready to look sharp and sound confident on your next video call? It starts with a few simple changes — and maybe a good coffee to kick it off right.
