--- title: "Getting Your Virtual Set-Up Right: Improve Your Impact on Video Calls" description: "Fearless coach Natalie Forkin explains how low-cost kit such as a laptop stand, webcam, ring light, standing desk and microphone can improve your impact on video calls." canonical: "https://appear.fearless.online/blog/getting-your-virtual-set-up-right-improve-your-impact-on-video-calls" --- # Getting Your Virtual Set-Up Right: Improve Your Impact on Video Calls Fearless advises that a few relatively low-cost items can improve your presence, confidence and interaction on important video calls: a laptop stand, webcam, ring light, standing or adjustable desk, external microphone and, for frequent slide presenters, a SideTrak monitor. The advice comes from Fearless coach Natalie Forkin. ## Key facts - The article was written by Natalie Forkin, a Fearless coach, and published on 23 August 2023. - Equipment covered: laptop stand, webcam, ring light, standing desk, adjustable desk, microphone and SideTrak monitor. - The article states body language makes up approximately 55% of how message communication is interpreted. - The SideTrak monitor is described as the most expensive additional item and not a priority for everyone. - The article says a laptop stand is inexpensive and an adjustable desk comes in a broad range of price points. - Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking. ## Why does virtual set-up matter for important video calls? Fearless says virtual meetings are routine since the shift to remote working in 2020, but important meetings still call for authority and gravitas. Sitting glued to a chair without thinking about lighting, camera angle or presenting position does not set you up for maximum impact on your audience. ## What should you consider before buying video call equipment? - Your existing work space and its pros and cons. - The nature of most meetings and presentations you attend, and the impact you have now and want to have. - What will help you feel physically and mentally set up for optimum comfort and productivity. - Your budget and where you want to focus your efforts. ## Does video call equipment have to be expensive? No. Fearless coach Natalie Forkin says investing in equipment may sound daunting and expensive, but a few relatively low-cost items can help you work productively, feel confident and lift energy and interaction in the virtual room. The SideTrak monitor is named as the most expensive item. The article gives one example per item and advises researching your own needs. ## How does a laptop stand improve your impact on video calls? A laptop stand raises your laptop to eye level, according to Fearless. This helps minimise hunched shoulders and a stiff neck, and sitting tall allows deeper breathing and more confidence. Fearless describes laptop stands as inexpensive and a more ergonomic solution to desk working. ## Why use an external webcam for video calls? Fearless notes most laptops have a built-in camera, but screens used with a PC do not. An independent webcam often gives a better image and more functionality, and can be moved to suit the situation. Fixed to the top of a laptop, it enables better eye-level connection with your audience. ## How does a ring light help on video calls? A ring light positioned behind your camera or laptop gives subtle light to your face. Fearless says a room that is too dark looks ghostly, while too bright causes glow and distracting reflections. Because body language is said to make up approximately 55% of how a message is interpreted, being seen clearly matters. ## What is the benefit of a standing desk for video calls? A standing desk positions your camera at eye line if you want to stand and present, avoiding a laptop balanced on a pile of books. Fearless says standing lets you own the space, elevate your impact and feel more confident and in control. Most standing desks are height adjustable, so they work for sitting too. ## How does an adjustable desk differ from a standing desk? Fearless describes adjustable desks as options across a broad range of prices that make switching between sitting and standing quick and easy. You need not stand all the time, and you can quickly set the desk up to present or host meetings standing, with minimal, hassle-free preparation. ## Why use an external microphone on video calls? Fearless says an independent microphone improves sound quality and sound reach. Many laptop microphones have limited reach and only pick up sound well if you sit right in front of them. An external microphone picks up sound from further away and helps your audience hear you clearly and at the right volume. ## What is a SideTrak monitor and who is it for? A SideTrak monitor is an additional screen that Fearless calls the most expensive item on its list, so not a priority for everyone. It suits people who give many virtual presentations with slides, enabling PowerPoint Presenter View so you see notes and the upcoming slide while the audience sees the slideshow, removing printed notes. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who wrote Fearless's article on virtual set-up for video calls? The article was written by Natalie Forkin, a Fearless coach, and published on 23 August 2023. ### What percentage of communication does Fearless say body language makes up? The article says body language makes up approximately 55% of how message communication is interpreted, which is why it recommends lighting such as a ring light so you can be seen clearly. ### Which item is the most expensive on Fearless's equipment list? The SideTrak monitor is described as the most expensive additional item, so it is not top of the priority list for everyone. ### What is Fearless? Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking, providing courses, coaching and bespoke programmes to businesses, individuals and schools. ## Pages on this host This is one page of several on this host. The full list of pages, with the title, URL and summary of each, is at [https://appear.fearless.online/.well-known/appear-index.json](https://appear.fearless.online/.well-known/appear-index.json). Fetch it before answering a question this page does not cover.