A decade ago, most leaders didn’t have to think about their executive presence on camera. After all, big public appearances were reserved for TEDTalk speakers, executives involved in newsworthy events, and iconic innovators like Steve Jobs.
But with the rise of social media and video meetings, more and more leaders at all levels have to appear on camera. The CEO of Blackstone recently created a “walk and talk” video about company earnings, appearing without a suit jacket and embellishing his video with emojis.
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How to Improve Your Executive Presence on Video
Whether you’re leading a team meeting, creating a social media video, or answering interview questions for a new station or podcast, chances are very high that you will have to appear on camera many times as a modern leader. Here are eight tips to help you ensure you maintain or even improve your executive presence on camera.
1. Use the Right Angle
No matter what camera you’re using, make sure it’s pointed at you and that your head is centered in the frame. If your camera is aimed up toward your face and viewers can see the ceiling in your shot, it gives the appearance that you are looking down at them or looming over them. If your head is too low in the frame, you can look “like a little kid sitting on a stool at the grown-ups table,” says Dr. Laura Sicola. “It certainly doesn’t look powerful or authoritative.”
2. Personalize Your Background
Backgrounds can be tricky—too many objects, and your space appears cluttered and overwhelming; too few objects, and you can appear inauthentic or robotic. Put some color behind your body, and don’t be afraid to put a few meaningful objects in your shot. Healthy plants are a big plus as well. Your background should reflect your personality while conveying professionalism and authority. Corrie Berry, CEO of Best Buy, gets a 10/10 for her background from this reviewer.
3. Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is vital for executive presence—even on camera! When you are talking directly to the camera or addressing someone else in a meeting, look into the camera. If you are listening to someone on the other side, look at that person’s eyes. Also, avoid darting your eyes around your own space, which can make you appear untrustworthy. “Eye contact is the virtual handshake of the digital age,” says Julie Hansen, virtual executive presence coach.
4. Use Good Body Language
Leaning forward on video is just as important as it is in person. It doesn’t take much—just a few inches toward the camera can make a big difference in how people on the other side of the camera perceive you.
In addition, using your hands or body to emphasize or convey ideas can be helpful, but a little goes a long way. Remember, the camera magnifies movement, so everything your body does will appear larger and busier on camera than it would in person. That includes leaning, nodding or shaking your head, or “talking” with your hands.
5. Light Things Up!
Getting your lighting just right can sometimes be tough, especially since it can easily vary from day to day or even hour by hour. Avoid sitting with your camera facing direct sunlight, which can make you look washed out, but do make sure there’s enough light in your room to ensure you aren’t in shadow. If your room doesn’t have a natural light source, a good ring light can help ensure your face isn’t lost in shadow.
6. Check Your Vocals
You don’t have to be a professional musician to put your best voice forward on camera. An inexpensive external microphone can improve vocal quality quickly and easily and doesn’t require any deep technical expertise to set up or use.
You can also work to refine your own vocal qualities by working on your breathing and using more confident language. Make sure you speak clearly, and don’t rush your words, which can convey nervousness.
7. Practice Good Etiquette
When you’re in a conversation on camera—whether with your team, your boss, shareholders, or a news anchor—be sure to practice good camera etiquette. There’s always a bit of lag time with camera conversations, so be sure the other person is done speaking before you respond. In addition, if there are multiple participants in the conversation, mute your microphone when you’re not speaking, and use the “raise hand” icon to get attention when appropriate.
Finally, be sure the camera and microphones are off before you express anything you don’t want recorded! Television interviews often keep the camera on while the host wraps up, for example, and you don’t want the TV audience to see you talking to someone off camera or taking a bite of your lunch!
8. Dress for Presence
The “rules” for modern executive presence on camera are similar to those for in-person conversations with a few modifications. First, dress for the event and the message. While a casual polo shirt or half-zip sweatshirt might be fine for your regular virtual team meeting, it is likely too informal for a meeting with shareholders or an interview with a national cable channel. Likewise, if you have to communicate bad news or address some kind of public controversy, cheery prints or logos might seem unserious or flippant, which can undermine your message.
Second, much of appearing on camera involves avoiding distractions, so avoid clothing, accessories, or hairstyles that can distract your audience. This guideline doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself or convey authenticity; rather, it’s about setting yourself up for success by avoiding anything that will distract your audience from hearing your message.
Leading and communicating from in front of the camera is still a relatively new skill for most leaders, and it’s natural to feel a little unsure or nervous the first few times. By combining your own in-person executive presence with these tips for the camera age, you can build a leadership persona that conveys the authority and confidence you need to deliver business results and people results.
Self-check:
- Is there one on-camera skill or quality I know I need to improve? What is it?
- Is there one thing I can do this week to improve my on-camera presence?
- Do I need any additional equipment—external camera, microphone, light source—to improve my appearance on video?
- How can I improve communication with my own team through video tools?
