What does your Zoom background say about you?
And how to leave a strong impression.
I run with my neighbour a couple of times a week. His name is Steve, and he works in marketing for a well-known charity.
We’re in a similar life stage, so use each other as a sounding board for all things kids, work, relationships and putting the world to rights.
It also helps to hang out with another Dad who doesn’t mind bouncing thoughts and ideas back and forth.
Good for our mental health.
This week we hit our go-to trail in the woods and Steve said he’d been interviewing for a content creator.
From all the interviewees, the one that instantly stood out had a compelling (possibly deliberate) background on their remote call.
They were a creative-type, no fake background, just some nice plants, a big messy calendar on the wall, loads of pens, they looked pretty relaxed and had a fun personality to boot.
Most importantly, (Steve said) “they looked like they could get the job done”.
This got me thinking.
Our remote work environment (and the background we have on Zoom calls) say a LOT about us, our colleagues, suppliers, competitors and clients.
They create intrigue, spark interesting conversation, they (let’s be honest) make people judge your character (good or bad).
They start relationships off on the right foot or leave you feeling cold or a little put back.
And what about people that don’t even bother to turn their camera on!??
Human behaviour
I’m no psychologist, but human behaviour is a fascinating topic, so wanted to check out what the internet is saying on the subject with the intention of giving you some tips on how best to present yourself on a call.
Using my new favourite research buddy (Perplexity) I used a simple prompt to pull together a report and a summary of tips.
Straight off the bat, it turns out that plants and books in your background create a strong first impression:
Pioneering research from Durham University has provided comprehensive insights into how virtual backgrounds influence first impression formation.
The study, which analysed reactions from over 160 participants evaluating various virtual backgrounds, revealed that a background of books and/or plants significantly contributed towards creating a trusting and competent first impression.
Conversely, comedic or living room backgrounds consistently scored the lowest in terms of perceived trustworthiness and competence.
And if you’re in a client-facing role (and you probably are if you’re reading this) then:
Research shows that customers judge service quality as higher…when employees use revealing (vs. nonrevealing) backgrounds. The revealing backgrounds, which provide glimpses into personal space or personality, enhance perceptions of warmth without significantly diminishing competence ratings.
Some food for thought then as to what to have in your background (or fake background) depending on the impression you want to send out.
Don’t forget to think about what you’re wearing too, btw.
Quite simply, consider who is on the other side, your goal for the call and the impression you want to leave them with.
Mixing things up with your own team can of course be fun but don’t let some professionalism (or creativity) go astray when it’s needed.
Quick Tips
Choose a Neutral or Professional Background:
A tidy home office, bookshelf, or some plants are ideal.
Avoid clutter, beds, laundry, or anything distracting.
Books & Plants Work Best:
Research shows backgrounds with books or plants make you seem more trustworthy and competent.
Avoid Novelty or Comedic Backgrounds:
Funny or themed backgrounds can make you look less professional in most work settings.
Keep It Simple:
A plain wall or subtle company branding works well if you don’t have a suitable real background.
Check Lighting:
Make sure your face is well-lit and not in shadow. Good lighting helps you look more approachable.
Be Consistent:
Use the same background for important meetings to build a reliable, professional image.
Test Before the Meeting:
Preview your background on camera to ensure nothing awkward or personal is visible.
Don’t Overdo Virtual Effects:
Too much blur or artificial backgrounds can look fake and distract from your message.
Match the Meeting:
For formal meetings, keep backgrounds extra professional. For casual team calls, a bit of personality is fine.
Smile and Look Engaged:
Your expression matters as much as your background—friendly and attentive always makes a great first impression.
That’s it
I must admit, I was feeling a little smug when I read that books build trust and authority, as I’m basically surrounded by bookshelves full of non-fiction books.
Occasionally, I like to pull one out relating to a work topic that is being discussed and make a recommendation.
Definitely room for improvement, though!
I’m off to buy some plants 🪴