Are you looking to make a good impression on your next Zoom call? You may want to consider investing in a few houseplants or an impressive bookcase f
Key Highlights :
In the study, 167 reactions to still images taken from video calls were analyzed to determine which backgrounds appeared more trustworthy at first glance. It was found that those with houseplants or bookcases in their backgrounds were seen to be more trustworthy than those who didn’t and made better first impressions. Participants also said smiling faces and women were more trustworthy and competent overall than men or those with neutral expressions.
The least trustworthy people were those who used a novelty image or just their living space as a background. Surprisingly, a blurred living space at their back was perceived better than a non-blurred home or a blank wall. Participants also said that background choice was more important than clothing when it came to first impressions, and that viewing someone’s home in a work context is largely viewed as unprofessional, particularly if they’re working from a bedroom as opposed to a home office or in front of photos of posters.
Unlike face-to-face first impressions, where researchers said body language plays a large role, participants in the new study preferred video callers to show only what is above a person's shoulders. Researchers found that smiling “predicts competence” in a workplace setting.
The study notes that virtual backgrounds can be considered an extension of professional appearance because personal spaces evoke character inferences. “Virtual backgrounds have therefore been characterized as the new business suit,” the study reads.
With the increasing popularity of video conferencing, it is no surprise that 75% of business meetings are expected to occur through videoconferencing by 2024. As of April 2020, Zoom had 300 million users, up significantly from the 10 million users it had in late 2019. Microsoft Teams had 75 million users in late 2019 and, as of 2022, had 270 million users.
The findings of this study suggest that those looking to make a good impression on their next Zoom call should opt for a background of houseplants or bookcases. This is a great way to appear more trustworthy and competent to those on the other end of the call. It is also important to remember to smile and maintain a professional appearance. With the right background and attitude, you can make a great impression on your next video call.
Title:
Make A Good Impression On Your Next Zoom Call: Use Houseplants Or Bookcases As Backgrounds, Says New Study
