A little motherly advice to ensure you are presenting your best (and most professional) self through your webcam video.

So you're ready to record your presentation and you've been asked to record video of yourself, too. Worried you're not going to get the money shot on your first try? Check these tips off your to-do list and you'll be chasing away paparazzi before you know it ('cause you'll be a star just like mom said!).

Tip #1: Dress to impress

You don't have to get all gussied up, but do wear what you'd normally be wearing to present in front of a live audience or at an in-person training program. Or at Sunday dinner.

Tip #2: Clean your room

Don't allow the background to distract from your message. Poise your camera right at eye level or even a little above (think selfie. A stack of books under your laptop can be helpful here). Then turn on the camera and pay attention to what's around you.

You don't need to sit in front of a blank wall, but you should direct the camera toward the "nice" part of your office. Don't worry about scraping the popcorn ceiling—because the ceiling shouldn't be in your shot—but do remove items that could take away focus from the apple of your mother's eye (you!).

Samples of good lighting, staged background (we'll take care of the watermarks):

   

Need extra help? Try not to have too many things in the room, but also try to not look like you're in Mom's basement. Maybe sit in front of that nice bookshelf instead of that poster of ACDC. Instead of a closet door, sit in front of a shelf with books and a plant. Switch rooms (or outfits) if you're wearing the same pattern as your wallpaper. A nice contrast from the background can help you look top notch!

If you really want to geek out, check out this free 30-minute course from Udemy. The instructor explains all about making better webcam videos with proper composition, lighting, audio, and backgrounds.

Tip #3: Look people in the eye

You know your stuff (at least your Mom and we think you do!), and you'll exude that confidence the more you can look directly at the camera. It's OK to read off your screen sometimes, but try to look right into the camera as much as you can.

Tip #4: Stop mumbling

OK, so maybe you don't mumble like Mom complained about—anymore. But sounding good is even more important than looking good. Set yourself up in a quiet space. Use a high-quality microphone—not a headset or earbuds—and keep it off camera. Ask for recommendations if you need them.

Now you're ready to make a great video. Just do your best and you'll make Mom proud!