Looks Can Be Deceiving… Unless You’re on a Webinar
They say looks can be deceiving—and while that may be true for long-term relationships, in the world of online meetings, fine feathers do make fine birds. Simply put: even if you’re a genius in your field, poor appearance can ruin an otherwise great presentation.
Today, we’re giving you some practical and easy-to-follow ideas on how to master your on-camera appearance and dress for webinar success.
You’re Not Just on Camera—You’re Building a Brand
Everyone wants to look their best on video. After all, online meetings are often where you promote your business, build relationships, and drive sales. Still, for professionals not used to being in front of a camera, presenting themselves well can be challenging. Fortunately, most mistakes are easy to avoid with a few simple guidelines.
And no—it’s not about vanity. Looking good on camera is a key part of personal branding. In many ways, a video meeting is your business card.
#1 Upgrade Your Style
A presenter in a tracksuit and an old, stretched-out T-shirt won’t exactly earn respect—no matter how brilliant they are. Dressing properly shows respect for your audience and signals that you’re serious about your message.
But "dressing properly" doesn’t mean “always formal.” Your outfit should match the occasion and the expectations of your audience. A suit and tie might be right for a business webinar, while a smart-casual look may be more appropriate for a creative or informal meeting.
Remember:
🧼 Wear something clean, ironed, and camera-friendly
🎯 Avoid flashy patterns, neon colors, or ultra-dark tones—they can distort lighting or distract viewers
💇 Take care of your grooming—hair matters just as much as your outfit
💄 A touch of makeup (yes, for men too) can help reduce shine or hide blemishes under bright lights
Ultimately, if you look good, you feel more confident—and your audience will feel that energy.
#2 Shine a Positive Light on Yourself
You’ve got great ideas—make sure people can actually see you share them.
Good lighting is essential for looking professional on camera. Natural light is your best friend, but don’t sit behind a window or light source—this creates a backlight that will leave your face in shadow.
Instead:
-
Sit facing a window or lamp
-
Use multiple light sources to soften shadows
-
Avoid harsh top-down lighting that emphasizes every wrinkle
If you’re presenting regularly, investing in a ring light or softbox may be a smart move for your setup.
#3 Be Naturally Friendly
An online meeting isn’t just about slides and scripts—it’s about connection. Your face, your posture, and your tone all send a message.
📸 Look at the camera lens, not your screen. Eye contact is everything in a virtual room.
🙂 Smile genuinely, not constantly. It’s okay to show nerves—but warmth and approachability go a long way.
🧍 Sit up straight, but don’t be stiff. Relax and let your natural expressions shine through.
Whether you’re more animated or more reserved, the most important thing is to be yourself. That’s how you’ll be most relatable—and believable.
#4 Don’t Forget to Smile
A smile isn’t just a facial expression—it’s a signal. It shows you’re open, confident, and excited to share what you know.
Don’t fake it—just remind yourself that a webinar is a great opportunity, not a performance you have to “get through.” Think of it as another chance to connect, inspire, or help someone. When you do that, your smile will come naturally—and your stress will fade away.
And trust us: if you believe in what you’re saying, your audience will believe in you too.
Final Thoughts
So—what do you think about our tips? You don’t have to use them all at once. Start with one or two areas you want to improve. Over time, small upgrades to your appearance and presence will make a huge difference in how confident, credible, and engaging you appear on camera.
You may not realize it now, but looking good and feeling confident on video helps attract more clients and grow your business. So here’s to your next meeting—looking sharp, sounding great, and smiling like a pro. We’re rooting for you!