Effective video communication: choosing colors to wear

Effective Communication via Video: Choosing the Right Colors to Wear

In remote communication, information exchanges happen faster than in person, but building trust takes longer. In video calls, visual impact becomes crucial—it lets us read expressions to gauge sincerity and engagement. Both conscious and unconscious factors influence how others perceive us, and we can manage these to achieve our communication goals.

The Power of Color

Color is one of the strongest unconscious influences. Colors stimulate the nervous system and can reinforce the message by triggering the right emotional and social reactions. When communicating via video, it’s essential to create a visually harmonious image that highlights your face, as eye contact is key to building trust quickly.

This means carefully choosing background colors, clothing colors, and ensuring everything supports your message clearly and effectively. Position yourself at mid-torso level on screen for optimal visibility.

Background Tips

Your background should contrast gently with your clothing to keep you visually distinct, but it shouldn’t draw attention. Avoid backgrounds with faces (photos, paintings, or clothing prints) as they distract viewers. Natural indirect lighting works best to avoid color distortion.

Colors That Enhance Your Appearance on Video

Stick to medium-light to medium-dark shades to create gentle contrast with your face. Colors with warm undertones (yellow hues) generally appear better on video.

Avoid:
• Bright whites: They reflect light, can appear glaring, and may widen your appearance. Softer neutrals like pearl gray, ivory, or ecru are preferable.
• Bright, intense colors (red, bright yellow, orange, fuchsia, acid green): These distort skin tone and draw attention away from your face. Softer shades like salmon or paprika suggest confidence without distraction.
• Black: Although often used professionally, black absorbs light, flattens your image, can harden facial features, and is linked to dominance or aggression, which may not fit a video setting.

Best Color Choices
Blue is the easiest and most flattering color for almost all skin tones on video. Navy blue communicates professionalism, trustworthiness, and balance. Gray is also highly professional and complements blue well.

Emotional and Social Effects of Color Groups

Here’s how different color families influence perceptions:
• Cool colors (e.g., steel blue, aquamarine, emerald green): Calm and professional; great for neutral, reserved conversations.
• Warm colors (e.g., camel, cinnamon, salmon): Stimulating and friendly; good for open, engaging dialogues.
• Light colors (e.g., pearl gray, sky blue, soft pink): Energetic, youthful, and sincere; perfect for clear, honest communication.
• Dark colors (e.g., navy, dark gray, burgundy): Convey formality, strength, and authority; ideal when you want to appear confident and competent.
• Muted colors (e.g., olive green, terracotta, soft navy): Calm and refined; useful for balanced conversations emphasizing trust and credibility.

Why This Matters
Colors don’t just influence others’ perceptions—they also affect how we feel and perform. Being aware of this can help reduce anxiety and allow you to intentionally set the tone and energy of your video communication.

Before your next video meeting, ask yourself: What impression do I want to make? Have fun choosing your colors, knowing they shape both your emotional state and how others see you.