By admin
While doing video conferencing, the background of your screen is a standout feature that can transform your video environment. Zoom is one of the popular platforms which can give a lively touch to dull backgrounds or surroundings and enhances the calling experience.
Previously, meetings used to be conducted in close quarters. But now, they can be conducted from any location which makes the overall meeting experience an engaging one. Zoom is helping many remote workers to conduct meetings by using a background for successful professional dealings in the personal space. It can add to your confidence while you are communicating with an audience at large via a video-conferencing application. In addition to gaining the right confidence, setting a background can provide you following benefits:
- Keep things private
- Be an icebreaker
- Create a feeling of fun
- Minimizing distractions to boost productivity
- Helping you to project a good professional appearance
However, to make the most of Zoom backgrounds, it’s important to follow best practices. In this article, we will explore seven effective strategies for utilizing Zoom backgrounds to their fullest potential, helping you create a polished and engaging video conferencing experience.
- Use Relevant Backgrounds
Wherever you are executing your video call, you can set relevant background to make your call professional. Zoom can provide you the opportunity to have a virtual background with a piece of art or a simple wallpaper which might not eat most of your time.
For formal business meetings, opt for clean and professional backgrounds such as office settings, conference rooms, or neutral textures. These backgrounds lend an air of credibility and maintain a serious tone. On the other hand, for less formal or team-building meetings, you can choose backgrounds that are more relaxed or fun, such as casual office spaces, outdoor scenes, or themed images that reflect the occasion.
- Use of Pleasant Color Schemes
When creating an effective background for your Zoom meeting, color schemes of the chosen background play an essential role in creating realistic settings. It needs to be physically and emotionally appealing to the audience which enhances the personality. Try out a ‘subtle gradient’ background color which can be used as a Zoom cut-out and will stick to the movements very well.
- Consider Audience
When selecting Zoom backgrounds, it’s crucial to consider your audience. Different backgrounds may be appropriate for different groups or individuals. If you’re meeting with clients or higher-level executives, it’s best to stick to professional settings that align with their expectations. For internal team meetings, you can choose backgrounds that reflect your company culture or project-related themes.
If you’re presenting to a diverse group, aim for neutral backgrounds that are universally appealing and won’t alienate any participants. Understanding your audience and their preferences will help you choose backgrounds that resonate and create a positive impression.
- Highlight Yourself in Subtle Ways
When you include brand-aligned elements in your background, you can observe a positive change in brand recognition. You can highlight your personality through a background which will also add to the building of a trustworthy image. For instance, you can showcase your brand by adding a logo in your background to catch the attention of the audience in a subtle way. It is advisable to choose the right color palettes which accurately match your professionalism, making you look more authentic in front of the intended audience.
Besides, you have to make sure that the color schemes used by you align with the personality and culture of your brand. For that, you can utilize professional designing tools to develop backgrounds for your Zoom meetings to mirror what you do.
- Use Green Screen
For those who want to use more complex or customized backgrounds, investing in a green screen can greatly enhance the visual experience. A green screen allows for seamless integration of the virtual background, eliminating any visual artifacts or inconsistencies. However, note that using a green screen requires proper lighting to work effectively.
Ensure you have adequate lighting on both yourself and the green screen to achieve the best results. Green screens are particularly useful when you need to showcase detailed graphics, company logos, or dynamic scenes. They provide a professional and polished look, taking your video conferencing experience to the next level.
- Minimize Distractions
While brightening up your background, you can avoid the elements which can cause distractions to the persons attending the meetings. You are doing formal video conferencing which means you have to avoid the backgrounds which are cluttered as it can distract your audience.
Further, Opt for backgrounds that don’t contain moving elements or busy patterns that may divert participants’ attention from the meeting’s purpose. Solid colors or simple designs are often the safest choices. Avoid backgrounds with excessive text, logos, or intricate details that can be visually overwhelming.
The goal is to strike a balance between an engaging background and a distraction-free environment that allows participants to focus on the discussion. Remember, the primary objective of using Zoom backgrounds is to enhance the meeting, not overshadow it.
- Adjust Video Settings
To further enhance your Zoom background experience, explore the video settings within the Zoom application. Navigate to the “Virtual Background” tab to access various options. Adjust the quality of your virtual background based on your system capabilities and internet bandwidth.
Experiment with enabling or disabling the “Mirror my video” option to find the orientation that suits you best. You can also modify other video settings, such as brightness, contrast, and saturation, to improve your appearance on screen. Play around with these settings and test them in advance to ensure you achieve the desired visual impact during your video conferences.
Conclusion
This blog has discussed the 7 best practices for dressing up the background for successful Zoom meetings. Zoom backgrounds offer a unique opportunity to personalize your video conferencing experience and create a more engaging atmosphere. By following these seven best practices, you can use Zoom backgrounds effectively, projecting a professional image and enhancing the impact of your meetings.