The first impression is made quickly. The chance of regaining this impression is slim. Although we’re often accustomed to exchanging first impressions via a handshake, now more than ever this is happening via a screen. That’s why it’s best to choose your video background consciously if you want to appear smart or authoritative. The edge of the veil: plants.

The fact that the impact of your background choice is important is not based on guesswork or vague obsession. Scientists from Durham University, Britain research It was conducted among 167 research participants. They were shown pictures with the question: How reliable and competent is the person on the screen?

(Un)conscious choices

Faded, theme park, houseplants, bookcases: you may have seen all of these wallpapers with one of your colleagues in a video meeting. You may also choose a background randomly, without realizing that it affects the impression you leave on your online conversation partners. In addition to the background, facial expressions were also examined.

What does it look like? Pleasant facial expressions are interpreted as more reliable and efficient than neutral facial expressions. In addition, women give a more reliable impression than men.

Background of your video

Scientists asked research participants to rate the person appearing on the screen. He did not mention that the investigation focused on backgrounds. Thus backgrounds subconsciously influence people’s evaluations.

Six different backgrounds were examined: houseplants, a bookcase, a living room, a blurred living room, a neutral background and a fantasy image. Different people with different facial expressions are photographed and evaluated in front of backgrounds.

This way you can create a positive impression

What does it look like? People with plants or bookcases in the background score higher on reliability and efficiency than people with other backgrounds. According to scientists, this can be easily explained. Books are generally associated with intelligence. Plants also give an idea of ​​responsibility and reliability.

Wallpapers to avoid

Maybe choose a “funny” fantasy background to break the ice. However, it is better not to do this if you want to create a feeling of trust. In addition, this background is also the worst choice if you want to look competent.

An explanation provided by the researcher to the Scientias website? A funny picture gives you the impression that you are not very serious. This may be linked to being less efficient. Logically, this might be different, but in this case it’s the first impression.

Avoid living rooms and do not hide anything

Research also shows that it is better not to share your living room workplace via a screen. If you really have no choice but to have a living room in your background, the reliability ratings are higher than those of someone in an unfaded living room.

And are you thinking about replacing your entire background with a neutral/white one? It’s better not to do that. A neutral background does not benefit your originality and reliability.

So, should you then attend an online meeting and find it important to make a good first impression? Then sit directly in front of the bookcase or decorate your workplace with the necessary amount of plants. Read it here Full investigation.