Many of the changes we’ve experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately be integrated into our lives on a permanent basis, and online videoconferencing applications are part of that new normal. All of us will be attending more meetings remotely from this point on, so here are a few tips and tricks to share with your members that will help the process go more smoothly.

Check the lighting. The placement of the light source is key; bright light, such as a sunny window, behind you will turn you into a silhouette. Position your desk so you’ll face the window or light source.

Not too close and not too far. Position yourself in the center of the screen so you can be seen from the shoulders upward. Your shoulders should take up approximately half of the horizontal space on the screen. Anything closer might be overwhelming (producing gigantic-face syndrome); anything farther away will make you hard to see.

Keep the camera at eye level. In person, eye contact helps people connect. You want that kind of connection in virtual meetings, too, so it’s important to position your webcam at or near eye level. You may have a separate camera or need to raise your laptop by putting it on a stand.

Look at the camera when you’re talking, so you seem to meet the eyes of the person(s) to whom you’re talking. On some platforms, you can modify the view to help you focus on one person at the appropriate times.

Check the audio. You want to be seen and heard clearly. If you’re in a quiet room, you can use the microphone on your laptop. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to use a microphone that is closer to your face. A decent pair of earbuds or headphones equipped with a mic should work.

Mute yourself when not actively speaking. Extraneous noise can be distracting or embarrassing. Platforms often switch to the active speaker, so if your dog begins to bark, the program will broadcast you in place of the person who has the floor.

Keep your environment simple. Seeing colleagues in their homes can be distracting. Make sure the background is uncomplicated, like a solid-colored wall that’s far enough away not to show shadows. If someone can look over your shoulder at family photos, artwork, or books, it diverts attention from the discussion.

Choose clothing wisely. Most clothing is fine, but there are a few fashion choices to avoid. Don’t wear pinstripes or checks, which can create distracting moiré patterns on camera. Avoid bright white and deep black clothing, because many webcams have automatic exposure settings that adjust to the lightest or darkest thing onscreen.

Get comfortable. You don’t want to fall asleep. Pick a chair comfortable enough to sit in without fidgeting. If you talk with your hands, practice keeping them still. Also, keep head movements to a minimum. And please: Don’t eat during a meeting.

Be courteous and punctual. Allow sufficient time to log on to the platform and to verify that your audio and video are functioning properly before the meeting is scheduled to begin. Once the meeting begins, don’t interrupt; wait for an opening in the conversation or use the chat or “raised hand” function.

Your focus should always be on the person(s) at the other end of the videoconference. Avoid typing, and turn off the sounds on your phone. When you are on camera but your attention is elsewhere, people notice. If you really need to multitask, turn the camera off and attend with audio only. When you are ready to give the meeting your full attention, turn the camera on again.

Be yourself. Relax and have a good time. Break the ice with a joke. Having some fun will help keep people focused and interested in what you have to say. It’s easy to tune out in a face-to-face meeting, and it’s even easier in a virtual one. And finally, remember to say goodbye when you leave the call. That might seem unimportant, but good etiquette is never a bad idea.