Simple Tips for Better Video Calls at Work
You have been there. You are making a brilliant point in a meeting, only to see a colleague mouth the dreaded words: “You’re on mute.” Or perhaps you have spent an entire call distracted by your own grainy image, wondering why you look like you are broadcasting from a cave. Video calls are now a permanent part of professional life, but they do not have to be awkward or draining.
At Bradsby Group, we work with professionals across industries who rely on virtual meetings every day. We have seen firsthand how small adjustments can make a big difference in how you come across on screen.
Sounding Clear: The Number One Rule for Professional Video Calls
You might think a clear webcam is the most important part of a video call, but people will forgive a slightly blurry image. They will tune out completely if they cannot understand you. Clear, crisp audio is the single biggest factor in coming across as professional and easy to work with.
The most common audio problem is echo. This happens when your microphone picks up sound from your computer’s speakers. The fix is immediate and free: use any pair of headphones or earbuds. Even the cheap ones that came with your phone will instantly stop the echo and improve audio quality for everyone involved.
Bradsby Group also recommends checking your app’s audio settings for a feature called “Noise Suppression” or “Noise Cancellation.” This smart filter isolates your voice and blocks out distracting sounds like keyboard clicks or background noise. Turning this on ensures your point gets across without interruption.
The Easiest Trick to Look Instantly Better on Webcam
After getting your audio right, the single biggest upgrade you can make to your video quality is free and takes just a few seconds. If you often look like a dark, shadowy figure on screen, the culprit is almost always your lighting.
The golden rule for looking good on webcam is simple: the brightest light source in the room should be in front of you, shining on your face. The most common mistake is sitting with your back to a bright window. Your webcam sees that intense light and automatically darkens everything else, turning you into an anonymous silhouette.
Bradsby Group advises candidates and clients alike to simply turn around. By facing the window, you let natural light illuminate your face evenly. If you do not have a great window or you are on a call after sunset, a regular desk lamp placed behind your laptop works just as well.
How to Set Your Camera Angle and Background
If you are using a laptop sitting on your desk, your colleagues are probably getting a great view of your chin and ceiling. The goal is to place the camera at or slightly above your eye level, as if you were speaking to someone face to face. The quickest fix is placing a sturdy stack of books under your laptop until your face is centered in the frame.
Bradsby Group reminds professionals that your background matters too. A cluttered room or busy hallway can distract everyone from what you are saying. A plain wall or tidy bookshelf tells a story of focus and organization. This is especially critical during video interviews. If you are caught with a messy room, use your app’s built-in blur background feature rather than a distracting virtual background.
The Three Unspoken Rules of Virtual Meeting Etiquette
Mastering virtual meeting etiquette is about making others feel seen and heard. Bradsby Group shares these three habits with every professional we work with.
First, mute is your default state. Mute your microphone whenever you are not speaking. This prevents background noise from derailing the conversation.
Second, look at the camera, not the screen. When you speak, look directly at the small camera lens on your device. While it feels unnatural, it simulates direct eye contact for everyone else on the call.
Third, nod and react visibly. Show you are engaged with visible cues like a nod, thumbs up, or smile. This tells the speaker you are paying attention.
Beat the Drain: Fighting Video Call Fatigue
If you end a day of back to back calls feeling wiped out, you are not alone. Bradsby Group encourages professionals to try these simple adjustments.
Hide your self view once you have checked your camera angle. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain. And in longer meetings where you are not presenting, it is perfectly acceptable to turn your camera off for a moment to stand and stretch.
Your Pre-Call Video Checklist
Bradsby Group recommends treating this as your 30 second checklist before every virtual meeting:
Is my main light in front of me? Is my camera at eye level? Are my headphones connected? Is my background free of clutter? Am I muted to start?
Mastering your virtual presence is not about expensive equipment. It is about consistency. By turning these simple checks into a habit, you trade pre-call anxiety for confidence and show up ready to contribute.
Bradsby Group is here to help you put your best foot forward in every professional setting. Reach out today to learn more about how we support professionals in their career journeys.
