Hey #FaciliFam, ever feel like your webcam is trying to frame you out of your own session? π This week: a 3-step fix to help you look sharp β even with just a laptop and coffee table. No fancy gear. No studio. Just a few clever tweaks to help you show up like a pro. Weβll cover how to sit, place your camera, and frame yourself using the Rule of Thirds. πͺ Step 1: Sit NaturallySit how you normally do in your online sessions. At your desk? Kitchen table? Standing? Thatβs your starting point. Donβt pose for the camera β weβll adjust the setup to fit you. β π Notice your posture β leaning back, sitting upright, or shifting around? Perfect. Thatβs what weβll work with β not against. Everything else adjusts around it. π₯ Step 2: Move the Camera (Not You)Now that youβre settled β adjust the cam to fit your setup. π§βπ» Laptop CamβοΈ Raise your laptop (use an adjustable stand or a few books π) so the camera sits at eye level β‘οΈ I use one of these stands β nothing fancy, just budget-friendly and does the job. π‘ #FaciliHack: Use a wireless keyboard and mouse β no more T-Rex arms. π· USB WebcamβοΈ Mount your webcam just above eye level βοΈ Tilt it slightly downward so you're looking up a little βοΈ Use a clip, tripod, or desk mount β whatever fits your setup β‘οΈ Personally, I use one of these desk mounts for my camera. So even if I move my monitor or bump the desk, the angle stays locked in. π‘ #FaciliHack: External webcams give you more flexibility and better angles. Even an affordable one will outperform your built-in laptop cam. π Step 3: Frame It RightUse this classic trick from film to look natural, confident, and well-positioned. Whatβs the Rule of Thirds?Imagine your screen split into a 3Γ3 grid β like Tic Tac Toe. It helps place your face where it feels most balanced and natural on screen. Frame Like a ProβοΈ Eyes on the top third line βοΈ A hand-width of space above your head βοΈ Frame from the top of your head to mid-chest βοΈ Show your shoulders β and your hands, if possible β
π‘ #FaciliHack: Showing your hands helps you appear more open and relatable on camera. So... how do you actually line things up like that?You can eyeball it, sure. Or use free tools that make it fast and foolproof. π οΈ Use These ToolsποΈ LogiTune (Free App)If youβre using a USB cam, chances are itβs a Logitech. But even if itβs not β LogiTune works with many webcam brands.
π‘ #FaciliHack: Some webcams come with their own control apps β like Camera Hub for Elgato cameras. Check your model β you might already have the tools! βοΈ Free for Windows & Mac βοΈ Works with most USB webcams βοΈ Ideal for quick eye-line and headroom fixes
How to Frame Yourself with LogiTuneβοΈ Open the app and select your webcam βοΈ Enable the grid overlay in the settings βοΈ Align your eyes with the top third line βοΈ Leave a bit of headroom and frame to mid-chest OBS Studio / Ecamm LiveIf you're using tools like OBS Studio or Ecamm Live, you get even more control over how you appear on screen. This works with both built-in and external USB webcams. Use my Rule of Thirds overlay to get pro-level framing in seconds. βοΈ Add the PNG overlay to your scene βοΈ Lock it in place βοΈ Align your camera feed using the grid βοΈ Hide the overlay β done!
Take 3 screenshots β relaxed, adjusted, and polished. π Which one feels most like 'you'? Thatβs your golden frame. π· The Facilitainerβs Value-for-Money PicksLooking to upgrade your camera setup? π β Thatβs a Wrap, #FaciliFam!Looking great on camera doesnβt need to be complicated β just intentional. Now youβve got the basics to shine online: βοΈ Sit naturally βοΈ Adjust your gear to you βοΈ Frame yourself with confidence Your camera setup is part of your presence. Next time you go live β walk in knowing you look the part. Got questions? Wanna show off your golden frame? π Hit reply β Iβd love to see your setup! π€‘ Enough SaidποΈ Upcoming Eventsπ¬ More from the Facilitainer on YoutubeBinge-Watch: Fit for Facilitation β Season 1Missed it live? Season 1 of Fit for Facilitation is now ready for binge-watching π β 4 hosts β 11 sessions (well... 10 recordings β thanks, evil eye ποΈ) β 881 minutes of stories, strategies, and spicy takes β All focused on facilitation, workshops, and keeping humans engaged From GenAI for facilitators to designing sellable offerings and what to do after the workshop β itβs all in there. β
Watch, like, and subscribe if it helps you level up! β |
I am Said, the Facilitainer. I empower facilitators, trainers, and event hosts to deliver engaging virtual experiences using and combining tools such as OBS Studio, Zoom, Butter, Stream Deck, Mentimeter, and some you might not have encountered yet. My passion is blending content, technology, and human interaction. If you aim to elevate your virtual events or workshops, I'm here to guide you.
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Raise your hand if you've ever nailed a session ... but totally forgot to ask for feedback because ... well ... life. π€·π½βοΈ You deliver value - but what really drives momentum for your business? Clients sharing the results you helped them create. Thatβs social proof - and it sells better than any slide. The problem? We forget. We delay. We overthink. Last week, I briefly mentioned one of my go-to tools: Senja - the platform that makes collecting testimonials fun, fast, and frictionless. What...
Hey #Facilifam, many of you run online sessions every week. So when a tool comes along that makes them smoother, faster, and way less stressful - I pay attention. The official Zoom Plugin for Stream Deck just launched, and its full of features designed to save your flow (and your sanity). Here's why it matters - and how you can try it for free, even if you don't own a Stream Deck (yet). π Why This Matters As a facilitator, trainer, or speaker, your focus should be on people - not on menus....