This week a major retailer reported increased sales of tops -- but not bottoms. Can you guess why?

It's because many of us are now showing up to work...or to socialize...on video platforms like Zoom, where we’re only going to be seen from the waist up!

Still, how you show up on screen matters just as much as how you show up in real life.

If you’ve watched my Ted Talk, you know that your image impacts how others perceive you and the kinds of opportunities you attract. This is true whether you meet in-person or on-screen.

If your associates, clients and prospective clients are looking at a shadowy face, double chin, distracting and/or messy background or bleak uniform...will that help you build trust and confidence? No.

That’s why today I’m giving you a Top 4 Checklist for making sure your on-screen presence is going to serve your goals.

If you want to position yourself as a trustworthy team member ...and as a leader, each of these tips are relevant for you.

1. Position the camera at face height or slightly higher.

Unless you want others to focus on your neck, a flattering position is the most important!The most common mistake is having the camera positioned too low, requiring you to look down into the camera. Viewers see a double chin, even if you don’t have one. To correct this, put your laptop, phone or ipad on a stand to raise it (get creative if needed)...or connect a separate webcam on a stand that can be positioned higher.

2. Make sure there is good lighting on your face.

Not above, behind or to the side - but directly shining onto your face. Many people have a window or light behind them or to one side, causing their face to be fully or partially in shadow. Shaded faces do not appear as trustworthy or easy to focus on.

Position yourself to face a window, and/or put a light behind the camera you are facing (the one in your laptop, device, etc). Self-standing ring lights like this are an affordable option.

3. Present a polished image from the chest up.

Wear shirts with collars (men & women), or add accessories around the face for more authority and presence. A scarf, larger earrings or a statement necklace for example:

• Style your hair, put on makeup
• Avoid wearing lots of black, skin tone color tops, or very busy patterns. Wear more color and choose those that flatter you - especially if you want to stand out in a group.

4. Consider what's behind you in the screen view.

• Clutter, mess and odd or distracting visuals will not serve the good impression you want to make. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s a nicer backdrop.

• Clear away clutter from behind you, or shift your set up to a place where the background is a non cluttered area of the room.

• Add a screen, or a simple non-distracting artwork on the wall behind you. You could even periodically change this up to show variety if that’s fun for you.
• If you enjoy interior design, this is a fun opportunity to design your “set” and show up in style.

Try out the tips I’ve shared and let me know how it goes. Not only does it shape how others perceive you, but it builds more self-confidence inside you as well!

Be sure and get my FREE Guide: The Top 5 Steps to Up-level your Style, to discover the quick hair, makeup and wardrobe techniques that help you look your best every day whether you're screen or not.