What is Behind You Speaks Volumes Your Zoom or Teams background is like your outfit, it makes a statement before you even speak. Whether you're in a job interview or a team check-in, people notice what's behind you and it can shape how they see you. Researchers at Durham University found that backgrounds featuring plants or books make people seem more trustworthy and smart, while novelty or living-room scenes make them seem less so. Even a softly blurred background keeps attention on you and boosts your credibility. When you're on a video call for the first time, there’s no handshake and no full body language to read, just your face and your surroundings. That background becomes part of your first impression. It’s not just the space that counts. Small gestures matter too. Smile, sit up straight, and look into the camera. These actions signal that you’re confident, focused, and engaged. Standing up can even make you look more energetic. Remote work specialist Ali Greene stresses that showing up fully matters more than having a perfect background. If you seem distracted or unprepared, even the neatest office won’t help. Her simple advice is to pick a clean quiet spot and bring your full attention to the moment. So next time you log into a meeting, look behind you. That background is part of your message. Make sure it’s saying something good.