Here are 3 Simple-But Really Effective-Tips to Improve your Webcam Presence.

More than 300 billion total calling minutes take place annually on platforms such as Skype; 50% of those calls are video conversations. Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer revealed this stat at CES last month while discussing the Internet software’s ongoing success internationally.

While the technology continues to improve, users are slow to learn how to make video calls look good. However, there are some simple things the average business person can do to take online video chats to the next level.

Buying a USB-powered microphone is an obvious first step (along with using an Ethernet connection versus Wi-Fi) to increase your computer conversation quality, but it’s time to think beyond that. With many employers relying on video chat software to keep employees connected, individuals using webcams to produce expert how-to videos, and television broadcasters depending on this technology to beam guests in from all over the world, it’s no longer just good enough to be happy that your connection works.

Here are three simple tips to improve your webcam video picture.

1. Look up, not down.

I can’t tell you how many people we interview for Fast Company‘s Work Flow series who are staring directly down at their web camera, nose hairs and all. In other words, no matter how technical they are, most webcam users forget that your eye line matters. If you’re looking down at your camera, the person you’re calling is looking up at you. In other words, it’s not an attractive view. Set your computer (if you’re on a laptop) on a few books so that you’re looking slightly up at the web camera. Not only will this tip make your image look better–and slim down that double chin if you have one–it will be easier to focus on the conversation instead of the empty space in front of you.

2. Light in front, not in back.

If you’re in a room with a window (i.e. natural light), face towards the window. This will ensure that light falls on your face. Never sit with your back to a window while doing an online video conversation or meeting unless you also have light on the front of your face to balance things out (a backlit shot is not a good shot). If you’re in a room without a window, dig around for a light that you can place in front of you–even if you only have access to a small lamp.

3. Go external, not internal

Built-in web cameras have come a long way, but external web cameras have come even further. Just a few years ago the iSight, Apple’s built-in cam, was excellent quality. However, many external web cameras have far surpassed this technology. For less than $50 you can buy an HD web camera that will dramatically sharpen your video. For example, I travel with a Logitech HD webcam C270 series for a better image. Ladies, keep in mind that while HD does provider a sharper picture, this also means that you might also want to do a makeup touch-up before your on-camera appearance since high definition shows a lot of detail.