Set Up Your Audio and Video for Success: Lights, Camera, Action! 💡🎥🎬

[#1]

Hey Superstars,

So much of what used to happen face-to-face, now takes place online. Having a good video call setup is absolutely essential in order to put your best foot forward and maintain a professional appearance.

As a business owner and member of the Square Community, there are many opportunities where you may have a video call and want to look and sound your best. This could include virtual events, meetings with local government or potential investors, interviews with journalists or potential employees, and much more. 

Here’s an example of good lighting, framing, and image quality:

By following this guide’s easy steps, you can significantly improve your audio and video quality and show off your best look. We recommend reviewing these guidelines in advance of your meeting so you have plenty of time to create the perfect ‘set’!

1. Set  🏠
1. Choose a quiet, well-lit room with minimal distractions, and a neutral or professional background.
2. Speed  📼
1. Run an internet speed test. Anything over 6-10 mbps upload & download is good, but 100 mbps and over is great!
2. If possible, use a wired internet connection for stability, or a strong Wi-Fi signal.
3. Lights  💡
1. Natural lighting works best. Face a window if you can, or use soft artificial light to avoid harsh shadows.
4. Camera  🎥
1. For the best video quality, use an HD (high definition) camera; either external or built into your computer, phone, or tablet.
2. Put your camera at eye level or a bit higher by using a stand, tripod, or just placing your device on a stack of books.
3. Sit at a comfortable distance from the camera to keep your head and shoulders in frame.
5. Sound  📢
1. Use an external microphone, or headphones with a built-in microphone, to limit background noise, echoes, and feedback.
6. Costume  👗
1. Dress casual, but professional. Feel free to wear your business uniform or other clothing with your logo. Solid colors work best on camera.
7. Testing, Testing  🎙
1. Open up the video chat system to test and check out a live feed of your setup, so you can see how things look and sound, and make changes in real time.  
2. Set up your equipment at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time.
3. Ensure all applications, browsers, and unnecessary programs are closed to optimize your computer's performance.
4. Conduct a final check of your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
8. Action!  🎬
1. Join the video chat app 5 minutes before the start time to check any last-minute issues.
2. Maintain Eye Contact. Look into the camera to simulate eye contact, and try to avoid looking at your own video feed. 
1. Pro tip: When we stare at computer screens, we tend not to blink. If you catch yourself feeling stiff or your eyes becoming dry, remember to blink a few times. 
3. Speak Clearly and Confidently. Enunciate your words clearly and avoid speaking too quickly. Pause before answering to ensure the other person has finished speaking.
4. To avoid distractions and focus on the interview, put your phone on silent mode, mute notifications on your computer browser or other messaging apps.
5. Have a glass of water nearby to take sips as needed, in case your throat gets dry from speaking. 

Good luck and enjoy the show!