Mastering the Video Call

Savannah Walker

12/21/20252 min read

black and white pug and brown and white long coated small dog
black and white pug and brown and white long coated small dog
The Tech Translator's Deep Dive: Mastering the Video Call

Video calls have become the new front porch for families and the conference room for businesses. But if you've ever struggled with a microphone that won't turn on or your family complains they can't see you because your camera makes you look like you're a shadow, you know it can be stressful.

Here's why your step-by-step guide for how to feel like a millennial when you video your family.

  1. FaceTime
    If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you already have one of the best tools for communication!

    • The One-Tap Trick - You don't need a special link. Just open the FaceTime app, tap New FaceTime, and type in your family member's name or phone number.

    • The Look Here Rule - When you're talking, if you look at the tiny camera at the top of your screen rather than at the person's face on the display, it makes them feel like you're looking them right in the eye.

  2. The Lighting Secret
    Have you ever joined a call and looked like a dark silhouette? This is usually because of your lighting.

    • The fix? Always sit so the light is hitting your face. Face a window or a lamp. If the window is behind you, the camera will get confused and turn you into a shadow.

    • The angle? Prop your iPad or phone up on a stack of books so it's at eye level. This is much more natural (and flattering) than holding it in your lap.

  3. Where Did the Sound Go?
    The most common frustration we hear is "I can see them but they can't hear me!"

    • Check the Mute Icon - On your screen, look for a little microphone icon. If it has a line through it, tap it to unmute.

    • The Headphone Advantage - If you have trouble hearing, using a simple pair of headphones can make the voices much clearer and block out background noise in your house.

Let's Practice Together

If you avoid video calls because they're overwhelming, we're here to help! We can

  • Sit down with you to setup your phone or device with video.

  • Walk you through a practice call so you know exactly which buttons to press.

  • Show you how to share photos or share your screen during a call so you can look at digital memories together!

Get in Touch!