When you are video conferencing you can show your background or create an imaginary one. One woman on a toastmasters contest said she had two computer backgrounds, one for work, another in a different room for social events.
Even if you are stuck on one place, you have a choice. I have watched several contests where the speakers spoke from their own homes. It can be very distracting to have a row of books behind you. Whilst I was interested to see that a good friend is an avid reader, I lost track of what she was saying whilst looking at her books.
Another speaker had a clock on the wall. Another had a light on the ceiling behind her. As she swayed back and forwards, the white light appeared and disappeared. Another woman had her bed and soft toys in view.
Others had children running around, up and down corridors, opening and shutting the door. Or the speaker themselves got up and walked around the room. Distracting when you are waiting for them to speak, or watching another speaker, before switching from audience view to speaker view.
The simplest and most effective is a white background.
You can buy a green screen on which to project pictures. Zoom offers fewer than half a dozen pictures. I am hoping they will add more.
However, you can upload your own background.
My favourites are those depicting the country where you live. However, it looks off for me to show a picture of America's golden gate bridge when I am in London or Singapore. At best confusing. At worst downright misleading. On the other hand, it could be protective, in security terms, to not reveal where you are but always show another country or something not specific to a particular place.
One of my favourite views was a video which showed the sea coming in and out on a beach through windows behind the speaker. I was impressed. It was beautiful.
I admit it was distracting. Later she disappeared and the rolling waves stayed, whilst another person was speaking in another oblong audience window.
You can set up a zoom connection between yourself and another member of your family or a colleague in another room to check your background.
More to enjoy.
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
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