Put on your work shirt and your comfy sweatpants and let’s look at the best tools you can use for an awesome video conferencing experience.
Microphones. Laptop mics are fine but they’re not optimal. Here’s some top mics that work with PC/Mac or Laptop that are very affordable:
- Movo Sevenoak USB Lavalier $19.95 at Amazon (can be used with smart phones with connection dongle)
- Fifine USB Clipon Lavelier $22.99
- Callez headset $26.95
- Fifine USB Condenser Mic $41.99
Cameras. Yes you can override your laptop camera and use a better one. Here’s my top choices
- Logitech Pro Webcam C920 $257. Yes it’s pricey. But you will look GREAT!
- TedGem 1080HD for laptop or PC $129.97
- Microsoft Lifecam Studio $84
- Microsoft Lifecam HD 3000 $62.99
Lighting. What? That’s a thing? Yes it is. And good lighting will wipe away those dark circles and make you look like the rockstar you are.
- Mactrem ringlight with 14 tones and small tripod (compatable with smartphones) $51.99
- Axipi LED 10” ring light with 3 tones and adjustable tripod $37.99
- Mountdog continuous softbox 20”x28” with stand. $39.98
Don’t forget your background. If you’re in your living room, please – and I can’t say this enough – pick up! Dirty clothes in a pile, dishes on the counter behind you, and so forth give the impression that you’re not a professional to be trusted with serious work. Clean up and have a simple background (a plain wall, a potted plant, or a bookshelf works perfectly). If you can’t provide a good background, virtual backgrounds are the way to go. Canva and Zoom both offer templates for creating a fun or professional background.
So let’s get to it and have a great video conference call.
By Michele Koch
