<aside> <img src="/icons/view_purple.svg" alt="/icons/view_purple.svg" width="40px" /> EYE CONTACT
Build connection by looking at the camera so people feel like you are looking directly at them (even if you aren’t).
Look at the camera lens most of the time
Keep looking at the camera when others are speaking so they know you are focused on what they are saying
Glance at the screen as needed
Tip: Pretend you are having a phone conversation and really listen to their words and voice while you look at the camera. You will hear what they are saying without distractions on the screen, and they will see you looking directly at them while they speak.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/microphone_purple.svg" alt="/icons/microphone_purple.svg" width="40px" /> EMOTION
People hear the sound of your voice before they hear the words you say.
Match your voice to your message
Consider the emotion you want your audience to feel:
Tip: Focus on a few key messages to start and practice those in advance.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/microphone_purple.svg" alt="/icons/microphone_purple.svg" width="40px" /> ENERGY LEVELS
The camera steals your energy, so you come off more dull or flat than your actual energy level.
Increase your energy 10-20% to compensate for the this effect
It will feel uncomfortable, but it’s not as cringey as you think!
Practice solo: Record your introduction in an empty meeting twice—once as you normally speak, and again with 10-20% more energy. Watch back to see the difference.
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Add graphics to your video during live calls using software.
Instead of choosing your usual camera, add the “virtual camera” that shows up in your list of cameras once you install your software of choice.
Free, open-source software with a bit of a learning curve.
Free & paid option good for starting simple with a logo, name or title.
Paid, Mac-only software that David & Cat use. Requires the Pro Plan.
Free & paid option that makes it easy to add slides with a single upload.
<aside> <img src="/icons/graduate_purple.svg" alt="/icons/graduate_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Tutorials
Check out Cat’s YouTube channel, including recent tutorials for Camo, mmhmm & Ecamm Live.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/document_purple.svg" alt="/icons/document_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Setting Up a Virtual Camera Guide
Download the free guide to help you get started setting up OBS or Ecamm Live.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/document_purple.svg" alt="/icons/document_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Virtual Camera for Beginners Workshop
If you want some extra guidance to get started using a virtual camera, consider the Virtual Camera for Beginners Workshop recording, which includes 18 graphics.
Use code VC4B10 at checkout to save $10.
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