Thanks to the coronavirus and social distancing measures, everyone will eventually need to access Zoom or similar video conferencing platforms. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, there are several steps you can take to put your best foot and face forward during Zoom meetings. To help you along the way, we’ve outlined a few ways to get the most from Zoom meetings.

Look at the Camera

For first-timers, it’s a little awkward to look in the camera. Instead, it’s natural to check out the other faces — and of course your own. However, looking directly into the camera will mimic the sensation of you listening (even if you’re not). Most importantly, it will appear as if you’re making eye contact with others.

Use Good Chat Etiquette

Zoom offers a chat feature that allows you to send messages to all or individual attendees. Because you have this choice, it’s critical — of the highest importance — you send the right message to the right person. Don’t be the rookie who sends a very private message to the entire group by not verifying the recipient. And suddenly everyone knows how much you can’t stand Maggie’s —the senior VP of Marketing— voice.

See Yourself in the Right Light

Unless your space is filled with floods of natural light, you should probably consider using artificial lighting. In doing so, make sure the lighting is coming toward your face. If the lighting source is behind you, your silhouette will get more face time than your face. Above all, make sure you test your lighting before the meeting and make any necessary adjustments.

Clean and Tidy

Virtually everyone is working from home, which means your Zoom meeting will likely feature a backdrop of your personal space. Just as you would clean before welcoming a guest into your home, you should make sure the space that will be displayed on the camera is tidy. The last thing you want is to have distracting or embarrassing artifacts on display for the audience.

Mute Yourself

Zoom and virtually every other video conferencing software will include a mute feature. While it seems obvious, you should unmute yourself to speak. And when you’re not speaking, make sure to mute your mic. No one wants to hear awkward breathing, aggravating chewing, or whatever else may be happening at your home.