How to Look and Sound Your Best in Hybrid Work
October 13, 2024
- 10 min read
We’ve all been there. You’re about to hop on a video call, and suddenly, you realise your lighting is terrible, your webcam isn’t cooperating, and your microphone picks up more background noise than your voice. Meanwhile, you’re trying to stay cool and professional in front of your colleagues or clients. Hybrid work comes with its perks, but it also means making sure you’re always presenting your best self—no matter where you’re calling from.
In this digital-first world, how you look and sound on video calls can make or break your professional image. It’s no longer just about showing up on time—it’s about showing up well. Whether you're dialing in from your home office, the company boardroom, or even a local café, looking sharp and sounding crystal clear helps boost your credibility and confidence. But with unpredictable environments, how do you stay polished?
Luckily, looking and sounding your best isn’t as hard as it seems. With the right tools and a few small adjustments, you can make a big impact on your virtual presence. In this post, we’ll explore how to use the best technology to help you appear professional, stay confident, and sound great, no matter where work takes you.
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First Impressions Matter in Hybrid Work
In a hybrid work world, your first impression happens through a screen. We might not like to admit it, but people make snap judgments based on how you look and sound in a virtual meeting. You could have the best ideas, the sharpest insights, but if your video is grainy and your audio keeps cutting out, that’s what people will remember. And it’s frustrating, right? We’ve all struggled with bad lighting or distracting background noise, and it can really take away from the message you’re trying to get across.
The reality is, presenting yourself well in hybrid work is just as important as it was in traditional office settings—if not more so. With less face-to-face time, your appearance and voice on video calls carry a lot of weight. A clear, well-lit video and strong, crisp audio can make you seem more polished, engaged, and trustworthy. Think of it as your digital “handshake”—it’s the first impression that sets the tone for the entire conversation.
Now, here’s the thing: it’s not just what you say, but how you deliver it that matters. Poor video quality or scratchy audio can make you seem less prepared or even disinterested, even if that’s far from the truth. On the flip side, showing up with a bright, clear image and sharp audio instantly gives off a professional vibe. People are more likely to listen, trust your input, and feel connected to you.
The good news? You don’t need a Hollywood studio setup to nail your virtual presence. The right camera, microphone, and headset can make a world of difference. And with a few simple adjustments, you can look and sound professional from anywhere.
Tools to Help You Look Your Best on Video Calls
Ever caught yourself staring at your own blurry image in a meeting, wondering why the lighting makes you look like you’re calling from a cave? You’re not alone. Bad video quality can instantly derail your professional image, no matter how sharp your outfit or how prepared you are. In a world where 80% of meetings are now virtual, high-quality video isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.
The truth is, webcams and laptop cameras often just don’t cut it. They can be grainy, lack depth, and struggle with lighting. But don’t worry, upgrading your video setup doesn’t require a big investment. With the right tools, you can take your virtual presence from "fuzzy and dark" to "bright and professional."
Poly Studio P5 Personal Conference Camera
Poly Studio P5 Personal Conference Camera is your go-to for looking sharp in every video call. With its high-quality optics, this webcam ensures you’re always seen clearly, even in low-light settings. No more dark shadows or fuzzy images—this camera adjusts automatically to improve lighting, so you’re always in the best light (literally). Plus, the built-in privacy shutter gives you control over when you’re on camera.
7%
Off
MSRP: $164
$152
inc GST
Save: $12
- MS Teams & Zoom Certified
- Integrated Privacy Shutter
- Spare USB Port for BT Dongle
- Flexible Mounting Options
- Key Features:
- Exceptional camera optics optimised for video conferencing
- Built-in directional microphone
- Automatic low-light compensation for dim rooms
- Integrated privacy shutter for security
- USB connection for pairing with wireless headset adapters
This camera is ideal for those who want a substantial upgrade from their laptop’s built-in camera, ensuring sharp visuals and clear audio, no matter where you work.
EPOS Expand Vision 1 Personal 4K Webcam
Need a serious video quality boost? The EPOS Expand Vision 1 delivers 4K resolution with auto-light adjustments, ensuring you look professional in any lighting condition. This portable webcam even has two noise-cancelling microphones to keep your voice clear, making it perfect for those on-the-go.
MSRP: $329
$335
inc GST
- Personal USB Webcam with 4K Video
- 2 omni-Directional microphones
- Instant Picture control
- Certified for Teams and Zoom
- Key Features:
- 4K video resolution with smart lighting adjustments
- Two noise-cancelling microphones for clear voice capture
- Easy picture control with a smart floating menu
- Certified for Teams and Zoom
- Portable design with a protective carry case
The EPOS Expand Vision 1 ensures professional video quality on every call, making it ideal for hybrid professionals who value flexibility.
Tools to Help You Sound Your Best on Video Calls
We’ve all been on calls where someone’s audio keeps cutting out, or worse, where background noise completely drowns out their voice. It’s frustrating and distracting—and it instantly chips away at the person’s credibility, even if they have the best points to make. When it comes to hybrid work, sounding clear and confident is just as important as looking professional.
Your voice carries more than just words—it conveys confidence, engagement, and authority. If your colleagues or clients can’t hear you properly, they’re not getting the full impact of what you have to say. The good news is, with the right audio setup, you can eliminate distractions and ensure that every word you say comes through loud and clear.
Jabra Speak2 55 Speakerphone
16%
Off
MSRP: $280
$235
inc GST
Save: $45
Buy Now
The Jabra Speak2 55 is a powerful yet portable speakerphone that takes your audio game to the next level. It’s engineered with advanced full-duplex audio, allowing everyone to speak and be heard simultaneously. No more awkward moments of talking over each other. It also has four beamforming microphones that focus on voices, cutting out unnecessary background noise, making it perfect for virtual meetings with multiple participants.
- Key Features:
- Full-duplex audio for uninterrupted conversations
- Beamforming microphones with state-of-the-art noise cancellation
- USB-A, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- 12-hour battery life
- Voice Level Normalisation technology for even audio
Whether you're in a huddle room or on a conference call from home, the Speak2 55 ensures you’re always heard clearly.
Poly Voyager 4300 Series Bluetooth Headset
From:
$204
inc GST
Buy Now
For those who prefer the flexibility of a headset, the Plantronics/Poly Voyager 4300 Series offers exceptional sound quality and wireless freedom. With its Acoustic Fence microphone, this headset ensures your voice is clear while blocking out any background noise. Plus, it’s lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear, so you can focus on your work without distractions.
- Key Features:
- Bluetooth freedom with USB dongle for PC and mobile
- Acoustic Fence microphone for noise cancellation
- Up to 24 hours of talk time
- All-day comfort with padded ear cushions
- Mute/unmute via microphone positioning
This headset is ideal for professionals who need to multitask during virtual meetings while maintaining crystal-clear communication.
EPOS Impact 1000 ANC Series Bluetooth Headset
From:
$504
inc GST
Buy Now
For those who need top-notch noise cancellation, the EPOS Impact 1000 ANC Series is a standout. With Adaptive ANC technology, it automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation depending on your environment, allowing you to focus fully on your calls without outside distractions. The ultra noise-cancelling microphone ensures that you’re heard clearly, even in busy environments.
- Key Features:
- Adaptive ANC technology for noise reduction
- Ultra noise-cancelling microphone for crystal-clear conversations
- Super Wideband audio for natural sound
- 360-degree busylight to prevent interruptions
- Connects to up to 3 Bluetooth devices simultaneously
Clear audio not only makes it easier for others to hear you, but it also helps you feel more confident and engaged in the conversation. With the right speakerphone or headset, you can eliminate technical hiccups and focus on making an impact with your words.
How to Maximise Your Hybrid Work Setup
While having the right tools is key to looking and sounding your best, it’s also important to think about the space you’re working in. A few simple adjustments can transform any environment into a more professional and comfortable workspace, whether you’re at home, in the office, or even on the go.
Creating a Professional Setup from Home or Office
You don’t need a dedicated home office to present yourself professionally in a video call, but creating a space that’s well-lit, quiet, and free from distractions can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you fine-tune your workspace:
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Optimise Your Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but not always available. If you’re working in a room with dim lighting, consider investing in a ring light or a lamp with adjustable brightness. Position your light source in front of you (but not directly in your face) to avoid harsh shadows and make sure you’re well-lit on camera.
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Declutter Your Background: What’s behind you says a lot about your level of professionalism. A cluttered background can be distracting and take the focus away from you. If you don’t have a clean or neutral space to work with, many video platforms offer virtual backgrounds or blur options, helping keep the attention on you.
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Use Noise-Cancelling Devices: Background noise is one of the biggest challenges in hybrid work. Whether it’s barking dogs, loud neighbors, or a bustling café, a good set of noise-cancelling headphones or a microphone with built-in noise reduction can help keep distractions at bay. Tools like the Jabra Speak2 55 or the Plantronics/Poly Voyager 4300 Series ensure that only your voice is heard loud and clear.
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Elevate Your Camera: If your camera is too low, people will be looking up at you, which isn’t ideal for projecting confidence. Position your camera at eye level, either by adjusting your chair height or using a stand to elevate your laptop or webcam. This small adjustment makes a huge difference in how engaged and professional you appear.
By making these small adjustments and using the right tools, you can ensure that you look, sound, and feel your best in every video meeting. It’s not about perfection—it’s about setting yourself up for success, so you can focus on what really matters: connecting, communicating, and getting the job done.
Explore Simply Headsets’ Full Range of Hybrid Work Solutions
Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or anywhere in between, Simply Headsets has the tools you need to elevate your virtual presence. From high-quality headsets to video conferencing solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Contact us for expert advice and find the perfect tools to help you look and sound your best in every meeting.