How to Look and Sound Amazing in Online Meetings

Jul 21, 2020 / By Doug Pierce, Horsesmouth Staff Writer
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Virtual Toolbox: Get specific recommendations on what gear you need (and how to use it) to improve your video and audio quality in online meetings. Other advisors will be asking you what you are doing to look so good!

Note: I forgot to cover lighting in the video. No matter how good your camera, it’s not going to look good if you are not well lit!

I recommend a ring light like this Neewer model.

Gear mentioned in the video:

Comments

Thanks Doug, Very helpful. One question on the audio, I wear hearing aids that are bluetooth. Is there a way to connect to the outside microphone. Also do you consult on a video setup.? Paul
Paul D Lakewood Ranch, FL
9/16/2020 9:25:37 AM
It's great to hear that you found this useful, Paul. In your situation, I would pair the bluetooth hearing aids to your computer and listen to the audio that way (so, not through the mic). Just know that when you use your external mic in a web conferencing service, it may automatically set your "speakers" to the microphone and you will have to go into the platform's settings and manually change your "Speaker" output back to your computer. Your "Microphone" would be your external mic and your "Speakers" would be your computer. Hope that makes sense--if not, I can elaborate. Due to demand, we are considering offering an AV setup consultation/training solution to advisors looking to make their meeting and webinar setups look and sound amazing. No official word yet, but I will make sure to get in touch with you if that comes to fruition.
Douglas Pierce New York, NY
9/16/2020 11:05:04 AM
Thanks Doug. The MEEs are so damn cheap - I am almost afraid to buy them. But they are on order. Thanks for the terrific webinar. I'm searching for some cool green screen photos for zoom. Like the empty warehouses with all the brick you see on Dateline Secrets Uncovered. I want my office to reflect someone is missing or hurt!! But seriously, I love those backdrop. A green screen webinar might be interesting.
Rich A San Ramon, CA
7/21/2020 1:09:31 PM
The MEEs are cheap, but they are great for what they are--a way to use wired ear buds, but conceal them. You'll also feel like a sports caster when you use them. Canva.com I know has some Zoom backgrounds that you can download for use with Zoom. Just search "Zoom" on their site. A green screen video is a great idea, because far too often I see it poorly done and it doesn't good at all.
Douglas Pierce New York, NY
7/21/2020 3:03:30 PM
Thank you for this, is a memory card needed?
Hubert M West Palm Beach, FL
7/21/2020 12:36:11 PM
Not for using the camera in an online meeting or event, no. The video feed goes straight from the capture card into the meeting just like with a web cam.
Douglas Pierce New York, NY
7/21/2020 1:13:02 PM
Thank you for this. Is there an excellent wireless version of the MEE In-Ear you recommend? Does the apple ear buds so the same?
Rich A San Ramon, CA
7/21/2020 11:58:56 AM
You're very welcome, Rich. I personally don't recommend wireless earbuds because of unreliability. Yes, Apple ear buds will work fine.
Douglas Pierce New York, NY
7/21/2020 12:25:55 PM

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