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We are now trapped in a virtual world featuring Zoom, FaceTime, Hangouts and Skype... the list goes on.

So what’s the big deal? You might answer, “I’m not a broadcast pro. I’m just a regular person. I’m on view because I can’t go to meetings in person.” 

But you are “on view.” Every time you join a virtual event you are making an impression. When you go to in-person meetings I suspect you do a quick washroom mirror check of your face and clothes before you show up.

Think of it this way, would you never worry if that shirt or blouse looks good when you get together with your favorite people? Now when you present on screen you must to learn to make an effort. It’s time to realize that Life is a Talk Show. 

Whether watching the news or a birthday turned virtual, I’ll bet you hear remarks from the peanut gallery: “What did she do with her hair? Look how crooked his tie is. You can see through that top! Sounds like she’s in a tunnel.”

It’s a great American sport to pick apart anchors, pundits, celebrities, politicians and anyone else on screen. Now, you are on and like it or not, people are noticing, judging and commenting .

Prepare for your video moments and you will get better at making the camera love you .

Check how you look and want to look. Your phone or a computer test shot is better than a mirror.

Find the best candid pics in your collection. Look and copy what you’ve done.

Women, don’t avoid makeup but don’t overdo it.  Less is more when your face is the most important part of the picture. Again, the camera is a better test than the mirror.

Guys should consider whether they really want the unshaven look. It works if you don’t look like you just got out of bed. Use a little make-up or powder if you want to cover a few blemishes or dark circles. Don’t forget your hair.

Many services have an appearance- enhancement button. Test it. I don’t know how they do it, but everyone I tell about this thanks me.

Clothes should have simple lines. Very few people who don’t have Brad Pitt or Gisele Bündchen’s body look good in t-shirts. Collars frame your face better. For women, watch out for too much fluff or detail. A tailored outfit shows better. You never want to distract from what you are saying.

Where should you look?

Notice where the camera is on your device. In every or professional TV studio, I have seen a post-it or sticker stuck on the very expensive camera. It’s an arrow to show the presenter where the lens is. Put a post-it on yours.

 It feels natural to look at the person who is talking but when you speak you should find that camera and look at that. Position the computer so the camera is near your eye level. You want to make direct contact.

OK - you look mahvelous. Now the hard part:

What to say and how to say it.

You want to be candid, authentic and personal but that doesn’t mean stumbling around. Think about what you’d like to get across. Go over it in your mind. For a business meeting this is essential For a social situation this will make you a star.

You can have a few notes but READING FROM A PAPER WILL PUT LISTENERS TO SLEEP ON AND OFF SCREEN.

Be a good listener.

It’s easy to ignore visual cues from others on the screen. Know what you want to say, listen to speakers, and let them know that you’ve heard them. Acknowledging what you’ve been told is especially important when you’re separated in time and space but it is always the bottom line in successfully communicating. You can repeat a bit of the question of comment to show you are actively listening and that you think what they’ve said is important.

You may have long periods of listening. Be conscious of being “on” the whole time. A sip of water or taking notes is fine, snacking or sneaking lunch, too many sighs and rolled eyes will only get you in trouble. A caution about head shakes. You can look like you are agreeing or disagreeing with what’s going on if you’re not conscious of nodding or shaking no. Take advantage of the “mute” button or even the option to turn off your camera for brief breaks as long as you’re able return to the screen when needed.

Set the stage.

You don’t have to be a set designer to find the right background.  Many people apparently forget that more than their face is going to appear on the screen. A blank wall can be sterile but a cluttered bookcase or brightly lit window can draw attention away from you. Pick a scene that doesn’t compete.

A little light can go a long way.

It’s surprising how many people either use too much on too little light on their faces.   Play around .Try for the right balance. Watch the screen until you find a combination that flatters you and stick to it.

Listen to the room you’re in. If it’s full of boomy echoes, pick another location. If you can, buy an inexpensive lavalier microphone that you can pin on to improve the quality that your computer microphone may not be delivering.  

Record how you sound and keep testing.

Think of your most tech-savvy friend or a smart teenager and ask them to view your audio and video and give you suggestions.

The bottom line is what you say and how you say it.

As long as you are sharing thoughts, you might as well be strategic about the way you communicate. If the impression you make is important to you (and why wouldn’t it be?) decide what you might add to the session. Rehearse it in your mind or better on your phone or voice recorder.

Remotely or face to face, what you say and how you say it…influences what you achieve in relationships and in work. Your communication affects and reflects your image. From “good morning” to “see ya later” you are expressing yourself. Your choice of words, your tone, your style , your personal talk show self-awareness are all crucial deciders of your own fate. It’s worth effort to improve your talk.

Learn how to respect time.

 You won’t run out of time but you will run out of listener’s patience and attention if you go on too long.

Think in terms of those sound bites you always hear about. Start, Middle, End!

Just try when you start a sentence or paragraph to begin to think how you will button it up. Think like a gymnast and get ready to stick the landing.

THINK, “What do I want to be sure to say.” When you plan you are less liable to ramble. Better to say less than to rush.

Stories are the secret.

If you want to win in the Life is a Talk Show world, tell anecdotes and stories. Think of an example, an incident or a joke (be careful) that fits the situation. It will show off your personality.

Here’s the big secret. A story lets you control time. You know how it starts and ends. You can rehearse even in your mind. You can add to the tale or shorten it. Stories and examples are more human and interesting than facts and advice. Be aware of this, and you will be the Life is a Talk Show champ.

Record and review.

If you want to be effective communicating on screen, remember - energy counts. As you get better you will enjoy the process. Confidence shows. Record and review. Concentrate first on what you do right and then take notes on what you could fix. It’s fun to conquer a new way of working. Don’t forget your sense of humor. You can get more points by making your listeners laugh than saying something amazing.