3 Ways to Show Up on Zoom with Confidence

When I started organizing Zoom calls back in 2022, I honestly thought the trend would fade. I figured post-COVID, everyone would be so over staring at tiny boxes on a screen. But here's what I’ve seen instead: we’re coming back to the convenience of virtual connection, with better boundaries and better lighting.

Not all your closest friends, collaborators, or future clients live down the street. Virtual gatherings give us a chance to bridge the distance and build real connections, from wherever we are in the world.

So if you're jumping into your first (or fiftieth) Zoom networking call, here are my 3 top tips to make the most of it (from someone who's hosted and attended more than I can count.)

1. Find Your Best Angle (Literally)

This might sound shallow, but hear me out: how you feel on camera matters!!

Take two minutes to figure out a computer camera angle that feels natural and confident. Prop your laptop up if it’s too low, make sure your face is lit from the front (not the back), and check that you're not just showing your ceiling fan. When you feel confident on camera, you show up more present and at ease, and people can feel that.

Bonus: blur your background or choose a clean one so nothing distracting steals the spotlight (yes, even if your toddler is building a LEGO empire behind you). Been there!

2. Know What to Say (and Lead With Who You Are)

There’s always that moment: “Let’s do intros!”

When it’s your turn, have a couple of go-to sentences ready, but here’s the twist: don’t lead with your job title. Even in business networking spaces, people want to connect with people. So instead of saying, “Hi, I’m in marketing,” try something like:

“I’m Danielle, and I spend my mornings on the lake, my evenings hosting dinner parties, and my days helping singles find love (yep, I’m a matchmaker).”

It’s warmer.

It’s real.

And it makes people curious to learn more, which is exactly what you want.

3. Get Friendly With the Tech (Just a Little)

You don’t need to be a Zoom wizard, but knowing a few basics helps you stay calm and confident. Learn how to:

• Mute/unmute without fumbling

• Turn your camera on/off if you need to step away

• Adjust your background if needed (blur is your best friend)

That way, you won’t feel awkward if you need to run after your dog/kid/doorbell for a minute.

✨ Bonus Tip: Send a Thank You

Whether you’re the guest or the host, always send a quick thank-you message after the call. A little “Thanks for holding space today” or “Really appreciated the convo” goes a long way. As someone who hosts these regularly, I can tell you, it means everything.

Final thought:
Zoom isn’t just about screens. It’s about stories, support, and shared energy. The more you show up as you, the more you get out of it. So set your camera, soften your shoulders, and say the thing you really want to say.

Let people see the real you. That’s where the connection starts.

See you at the next Round Table. 💫

Xo,

Danielle Victoriah