What’s your background?

As Zoom, Webex and other virtual meeting platforms become the new norm — they are here to stay— your background is bound to make a difference. Soon, if not here already,  there will be sophisticated analyses of how your background impacts your presentation and message.

I am not a fan of those artificial scenes. Somehow your face never seems right against the scenery. Windows behind you don’t work because the glare blocks out your face in shadows.

So take a lesson from the professionals. Have you noticed the background of the commentators on TV?

Paintings (I like Dave Abehouse’s) and bookcases make a good impression. I’ve noticed that the titles of books behind you can send a great message. If you’re an author, your book behind you is a great idea (and advertisement) and if you have a subliminal (or more direct) message, let the book that inspired you stand out behind you.

So, what’s your background?