Our Interview with Neil Topinka Our with Neil Topinka
Neil Topinka is a video studio designer and videographer based in Toronto, Canada. He has designed and led studio installations for Clevel executives across North America, Europe and the Middle East His passion: empowering leaders to stand out on video
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In today’s hybrid work environment,on-camera presenceis an essential aspect of professional and company identity. Whether leading a meeting, recording content for social media, or hosting a webinar, how teams and individuals show up on camera can make a great or disastrous first impression
As AI-generated content becomes increasingly ubiquitous, showing up as your most authentic self on video has never been more important The digital landscape is flooded with polished but impersonalized media. Being genuine (and human) is one of the most powerful ways to cut through the noise and connect
To help guide organizations through this shift, we sat down withNeil Topinka, a digital
presence expert who specializes in optimizing video setups. Below, Topinka shares his top tips for elevating video presence whether for individuals aiming to refine their own presentation or leaders looking to empower their teams.
An Engaging Video Presence is the New Power Suit
Virtual meetings have become central to how teams communicate and collaborate. The stakes are high 60% of professionals report that turning off the cameraduring meetings is a “career-minimizing move ”
For executives and business leaders, making sure teams are equipped with the tools and knowledge to present confidently on camera is no longer optional Video presence impacts not only individual performance but also the broader company image
People Need People—Not Avatars
“Video presence is your opportunity to show both professionalism and humanity,” says Neil Topinka “You're not just sharing information you’re sharing yourself ”
In a world flooded with AI-generated content, authenticity on camera is more valuable than ever Teams that present themselves authentically are more likely to foster stronger connections, build trust, and leave lasting impressions.
But there’s an important distinction between being human and being sloppy.
While building a relatable, genuine personal brand is crucial for professional success, it’s not enough just to show up on camera The art lies in harnessing the right video technology to enable more effective human-to-human connection The best communicators use video technology to show up differently, connect more deeply, and make their interactions more memorable
As
AI becomes more prevalent, people increasingly prefer “genuine, imperfect and deeply human experiences over overly polished interactions.”
Set Up Your Team for Success
To help their teams thrive in this new context, many companies are investing in video infrastructure This includes everything from high-quality cameras and microphones to private video conferencing rooms and collaborative video-ready spaces With hybrid work now a permanent fixture, businesses must adapt their office environments to support these new ways of working
Just as professional attire reflects an individual’s seriousness and credibility in inperson meetings, your team’s video presence should mirror that same level of professionalism But you don’t have to overhaul your entire office to make an impact Even small adjustments, like setting up dedicated video spaces or ensuring your team members have the right tools, can make a significant difference
Even in less flexible office environments, where team members don’t have much control over their surroundings, simple adjustments can have a big impact Providing access to a clean, neutral background, a simple webcam stand, and positioning the camera at eye level can make all the difference in.
Camera at Eye Level
One of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make is to position your camera at eye level. But this needn’t require outsized effort You can simply stack a few books under your laptop or adjust your webcam. It’s a small tweak that makes a huge difference
Get Your Microphone Close
The key to great audio isn’t having an expensive mic it's positioning. Make sure your microphone is close to your mouth, and you’ll sound clearer and more professional Whether it’s a headset or a mic arm, keep it within reach to reduce background noise
Soft Lighting
Natural light from a window or a basic ring light will help you avoid grainy images and keep your camera’s sensor from struggling. Even simple, soft lighting sources like an IKEA paper ball lamp can work wonders
Practice Makes Perfect
Video presence is a skill you can develop try recording short videos in low-stakes environments (like Slack or Teams messages) and play them back with a critical eye Small daily reps will help you feel more comfortable and find your natural voice
First impressions matter, onand off-camera
Research indicates that first impressions made during video calls are as strong as those made in person
TopResume identified five “virtual interview deal-breakers” that could hurt your chances of being hired:
• Avoiding eye contact or staring into space
• Sitting in a messy room
• Leaving inappropriate tabs or apps open when screen-sharing
• Using an unprofessional background
• Being interrupted by family members
Is your office on-camera ready?
As hybrid work continues to grow video collaboration is becoming an integral part of the modern workplace and office design must adapt
At Perkins Eastman, we help our clients stay ahead of the curve and thrive in an everevolving work landscape From private video conference rooms to open, collaborative spaces equipped with cutting-edge video technology, we work with clients to ensure their office environments are fully prepared for the future of work
Reach out to us today, and let’s design a space that works for both in-person and virtual teams.
