Backdrops and backgrounds

- Having the opportunity to do video conferences from the comfort of your own home is great. But because we have this great option to do that now, we also have to be mindful of one thing. What will the viewers see inside our home? This means being mindful of your background and backdrop. If you're taking a video meeting from home, it's important to pay attention to not only the lighting and audio but also what's happening behind us. If you're setting up the call on your dining room table, will your kids' toys be in the background? Will they be running around? Will you have piles of clothes just sitting on the floor? Even though you may not notice it, or it may not bother you, your viewers on the other side of the screen will see it, and it's still important to create a professional environment. Just think, your video will capture your surrounding and the inside of your home, so it's important to keep the area clean and tidy. If you have a home office and you have the privacy to do a video meeting in it, make sure the door is closed so you can eliminate any traffic coming inside and any noise that may be distracting. It's also helpful to clear up any paper you may have scattered around as well. Again, just because you're at home, it's still important to create an atmosphere that exudes professionalism. If you find yourself engaging in a lot of video conferences and meetings in your living room or kitchen, a backdrop or a divider is a great way to hide all your personal items or cover people walking back and forth. No matter what location you're working in, pay attention to the background. By minimizing distracting elements, you can ensure the focus is on you and not the environment around you.