PROBLEM: Using a whiteboard as a background

• A bright, solid colour such as white is a poor backdrop, but its problems are compounded by the reflective nature of a whiteboard causing the participant to be washed out and the camera to have a difficult time focusing on the participant.

SOLUTION:

• If you know that you will have a whiteboard for a background, you should consider wearing a darker outfit. This will prevent you from being washed out.
• Lights should not be aimed directly at the whiteboard, because of its' reflective nature.

PROBLEM: Standing on front of a projected screen

• If an image is being projected locally, the presenter should always try to stay away from the projected image. It will cast shadows, throw the projected image on the subject, and distort the projected image. Using projector images in a videoconference is not a very good idea at the best of times, as the quality on the remote end is usually quite poor.

SOLUTION:

• Stay clear of the projected images.
• Use a pointer or laser pointer to identify specific things on the projected image.
• Wherever possible, use alternate media, such as a computer, smart board, or document camera that can be directly input into the videoconference.