First impressions matter. That’s not just a saying, it’s a psychological fact.
In the world of video calls, where our faces are often reduced to postage-stamp proportions, first impressions matter more than ever. Yet, oddly, this is an area that remains vastly underestimated and underutilised by professionals everywhere.
So, if you’re the kind of person who wants to stand out for the right reasons (to make sure your virtual first impression creates connection, confidence, and clarity), here are five practical tips that will help you do exactly that.
1. Adjust your camera angle: From “child view” to “adult conversation”
Have you ever found yourself speaking to someone on a video call and noticed… their nostrils? It’s more common than you’d think. While we might laugh about it, the problem is serious! When your camera is too low, the view is distorted, as is the impression.
Without even realising it, you create a child-to-adult dynamic. Psychologists refer to this as a “power imbalance cue,” and it’s one that works against you in business settings.
To fix this, do one simple thing: raise your camera so it’s level with your eye line. That might mean balancing your laptop on a few books or using a laptop stand, but the change is profound. You go from looking up at people to looking eye to eye, which instantly signals confidence, capability, and equality.
Tip: Take a screenshot before and after adjusting your angle, and ask yourself: “Which version of me would I myself be more likely to trust?”
2. Light yourself like the hero of the story
Imagine walking into a meeting room that’s pitch black. What’s the first thing you’d do? You’d switch on the light. It’s instinctive because we understand that if we can’t see someone, we can’t connect with them.
The same is true on screen.
Lighting isn’t about vanity, it’s about visibility. In fact, researchers have shown that people subconsciously trust well-lit faces more than shadowed ones. That’s why villains in films are almost always lurking in the dark, while heroes bask in clarity.
So don’t leave your face in the shadows: sit near a window if possible, with light coming towards your face, not behind you, or invest in a simple ring light.
For the price of a takeaway, you could dramatically increase your presence, warmth, and impact.
3. Frame yourself like you belong in the room
Framing is one of the most overlooked parts of video calls, and one of the quickest ways to look like you don’t belong in the conversation.
You’ve probably seen it: the “little floating head” at the bottom of the screen, looking like it’s trying to escape the Zoom box entirely. Visually, it’s jarring and emotionally, it disconnects.
The fix? It’s easy: make sure your eyes are roughly two-thirds of the way up your screen. This is called the “rule of thirds” in photography and film, and it helps viewers feel naturally drawn to your face. It also ensures your head and shoulders are in view, just like they would be if you were sitting opposite someone in person.
Think of it this way: if your face is the message, your framing is the envelope, so make sure it looks like it belongs on the desk, not in the bin.
4. Your background tells a story; make sure it’s the right one
Whether you’re calling from a home office, a kitchen table, or a corner of the bedroom you’ve hastily tidied, your background is never neutral. It says something about you.
The question is: What’s it saying?
Take a moment before your next call to look at your own screen as if you were a stranger. What do you notice? Is it cluttered or calming? Bland or interesting? Distracting or professional?
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect backdrop, but you do need to think strategically. Can you shift the camera angle slightly, add a plant, or perhaps remove the pile of laundry?
Your background is part of your personal brand, and it helps frame the kind of conversation you’re inviting people into.
5. Look into the camera when you say hello
This is one of the smallest shifts and yet one of the most powerful.
In real life, we instinctively look someone in the eyes when we greet them. It’s a basic human ritual. It builds rapport and signals presence.
But on a video call, most people look at the screen, not the camera when they say hello. That might feel right to you, but to the other person, it can seem like you’re looking away.
So, here’s a trick: when you greet someone, look directly into your webcam. Even if it feels strange at first, it sends a powerful message to the person on the other end. It says: “I see you; I’m here; I’m present.”
That moment of direct, intentional eye contact can set the emotional tone for the entire conversation, so don’t miss it.
Final thought
Video calls are here to stay.
These five small changes won’t just help you look better; they’ll help you connect better. Because when people feel seen, heard, and respected, they trust you more.
Written by Paul Weedon, On-Screen Sales & Communication Coach
Paul helps sales teams win the room, even when the room is a grid of faces on a screen. A former TV presenter and talent agent turned global presentation coach, he works with FTSE 100 leaders, high-growth commercial teams, and senior professionals across 42 countries to transform how they pitch, present, and show up on video.
His superpower? Making people feel something, even through a webcam. Whether it’s closing deals faster, lifting confidence on camera, or turning flat messaging into stories that land, Paul helps individuals unlock a more confident, compelling version of themselves onscreen.