Looking professional on a video conference requires knowing not only how you look, but also how your surroundings look. Your background can tell as much or as little as you want about yourself, so let’s review some tips and tricks to decluttering your background.

Avoid having anything like a window or an open door behind you. Anything can happen in them, and you won’t know until it is too late. Instead, try to have your background be a solid color wall. Then, there won’t be anything to distract your audience, keeping the focus on you. If you do find the solid wall to be a little drab, spruce up the area with a plant or a table.

Another great option is to use a bookshelf as your background. Take time organize it with items that are important to your profession. This could be items like books, certifications, or an award you may have won. You’ll also want to make sure that your desk itself is clean of any clutter. Having a background that is tidy, distraction-free and well lit can go a long way to building trust and confidence with your audience.

For more tips and tricks, check out our video below!