What's Behind You Matters - The Power of Your Video Background
Podcast in a home bar!
This is a reminder that what’s behind you matters. And it came to the forefront of my attention today while watching a podcast. One of the participants was sitting in their home bar, surrounded by bottles of alcohol. It was hard to focus on what they were saying because their background was saying something entirely different. In a world where so much of our communication happens virtually, these details matter more than ever.
We have all experienced it. You join a video call or podcast, ready to engage, but your attention keeps drifting—not to the speaker, but to what is behind them. Maybe it is an unmade bed, a cluttered kitchen, or even a fully stocked home bar. Sometimes it is the camera angle, pointing straight at the ceiling or directly up someone’s nose. Other times, it is the attire—or lack of it. Pajamas, workout gear, or even less than that. I continue to be amazed by what I see, and I say this with care and curiosity, not judgment. And its not just with my students… I see this in the business world too.
This is just a friendly reminder: what is behind you matters. Your background, your setup, and your presence all contribute to how you are perceived. And whether you are a student, a professional, or a guest on a podcast, showing up with intention makes all the difference.
Why Your Background Matters
Your video background is a visual extension of your personal brand. It can either support your credibility or quietly chip away at it. During the pandemic, when we all shifted to remote learning and working, I witnessed a wide range of virtual missteps. I saw students in pajamas under the covers, professionals taking calls in front of open closets, housemates tossing footballs in the background, and just recently, someone recording a podcast with bottles of alcohol clearly in view. These moments were not just awkward. They were missed opportunities to show up with intention.
Having worked remotely primarily since 2009, and almost exclusively since 2014, I was already familiar with the nuances of virtual presence when the pandemic hit. I quickly created videos for both my NYU graduate students, and my SHU Students (and the larger SHU student population) to help them navigate remote work and remote learning. One of the key messages I emphasized then, and continue to emphasize now, is what’s behind you matters. Your background is not just a backdrop; its part of your professional identity.
Common Background Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things I always coach my students to watch for:
· Alcohol in the frame. Sitting in front of a home bar may seem casual, but it can send a message in professional or academic settings.
· Unmade beds. If your bedroom is your workspace, make the bed and keep it tidy—or use a virtual background.
· Open closet doors. These can be distracting and suggest a lack of organization. Close them, or better yet, use a background.
· Backlighting from windows. Sitting with a window behind you can make your face appear shadowed or washing out. Always face the light instead.
· Cluttered or busy backgrounds. Keep it simple. A clean wall, a plant, or a nearly arranged bookshelf can go a long way.
Tips for a Professional Video Presence
· Use a virtual background if your space is not ideal, but make sure it is not glitchy or distracting.
· Check your framing. Your head and shoulders should be centered with a bit of space above your head.
· Dress the part. Even if you are at home, dress as if you are showing up in person.
· Test your setup. Do a quick check before going live. What is in the frame? How is the lighting? Is your camera at eye level?
Presence is a Practice
Presence is not just about what you say. It is about how you show up. In a digital world, your background is part of your message. Whether you are leading a team, recording a podcast, or attending a virtual class, take a moment to curate your space. It shows respect for your audience and for yourself.
Each semester, I remind my students that how you show up, both on screen and in person, truly matters. And I believe it’s a good reminder for the business world to. Your presence communicates something before you even speak. That is why I emphasize the importance of being intentional and authentic in how you present yourself. Because showing up with purpose is not just a skill—it is a mindset.This is a reminder that what’s behind you matters. And it came to the forefront of my attention today while watching a podcast. One of the participants was sitting in their home bar, surrounded by bottles of alcohol. It was hard to focus on what they were saying because their background was saying something entirely different. In a world where so much of our communication happens virtually, these details matter more than ever.
We have all experienced it. You join a video call or podcast, ready to engage, but your attention keeps drifting—not to the speaker, but to what is behind them. Maybe it is an unmade bed, a cluttered kitchen, or even a fully stocked home bar. Sometimes it is the camera angle, pointing straight at the ceiling or directly up someone’s nose. Other times, it is the attire—or lack of it. Pajamas, workout gear, or even less than that. I continue to be amazed by what I see, and I say this with care and curiosity, not judgment. And its not just with my students… I see this in the business world too.
This is just a friendly reminder: what is behind you matters. Your background, your setup, and your presence all contribute to how you are perceived. And whether you are a student, a professional, or a guest on a podcast, showing up with intention makes all the difference.
Why Your Background Matters
Your video background is a visual extension of your personal brand. It can either support your credibility or quietly chip away at it. During the pandemic, when we all shifted to remote learning and working, I witnessed a wide range of virtual missteps. I saw students in pajamas under the covers, professionals taking calls in front of open closets, housemates tossing footballs in the background, and just recently, someone recording a podcast with bottles of alcohol clearly in view. These moments were not just awkward. They were missed opportunities to show up with intention.
Having worked remotely primarily since 2009, and almost exclusively since 2014, I was already familiar with the nuances of virtual presence when the pandemic hit. I quickly created videos for both my NYU graduate students, and my SHU Students (and the larger SHU student population) to help them navigate remote work and remote learning. One of the key messages I emphasized then, and continue to emphasize now, is what’s behind you matters. Your background is not just a backdrop; its part of your professional identity.
Common Background Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things I always coach my students to watch for:
· Alcohol in the frame. Sitting in front of a home bar may seem casual, but it can send a message in professional or academic settings.
· Unmade beds. If your bedroom is your workspace, make the bed and keep it tidy—or use a virtual background.
· Open closet doors. These can be distracting and suggest a lack of organization. Close them, or better yet, use a background.
· Backlighting from windows. Sitting with a window behind you can make your face appear shadowed or washing out. Always face the light instead.
· Cluttered or busy backgrounds. Keep it simple. A clean wall, a plant, or a nearly arranged bookshelf can go a long way.
Tips for a Professional Video Presence
· Use a virtual background if your space is not ideal, but make sure it is not glitchy or distracting.
· Check your framing. Your head and shoulders should be centered with a bit of space above your head.
· Dress the part. Even if you are at home, dress as if you are showing up in person.
· Test your setup. Do a quick check before going live. What is in the frame? How is the lighting? Is your camera at eye level?
Presence is a Practice
Presence is not just about what you say. It is about how you show up. In a digital world, your background is part of your message. Whether you are leading a team, recording a podcast, or attending a virtual class, take a moment to curate your space. It shows respect for your audience and for yourself.
Each semester, I remind my students that how you show up, both on screen and in person, truly matters. And I believe it’s a good reminder for the business world to. Your presence communicates something before you even speak. That is why I emphasize the importance of being intentional and authentic in how you present yourself. Because showing up with purpose is not just a skill—it is a mindset.