Global business dealings and more staff telecommuting mean fewer everyone-in-the-conference-room meetings and more Skype gatherings. Jennifer Abernethy, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing, offers tips for rocking a virtual meeting:

Do the prep. Share your Skype name with your boss, colleagues and other attendees before the meeting. It should be career-oriented and brand-based, not your pet’s nickname. If you’re at home with the kids, set older ones up with a snack a few minutes before and tell them they’ll need to be quiet. If necessary, enlist a sitter to entertain younger kids.

Set the scene. Whether calling in from your kitchen or a hotel room, be aware of your background view. Remove clutter from the room to look more professional. Make sure you’re well lit with lamps around your computer area. Turn down any sound-making tech devices.

Be camera ready. Instead of looking at the computer monitor, make eye contact with colleagues by looking directly into the camera. Try a few practice runs prior to the meeting, placing the camera slightly above eye level for a more flattering view. Speak in a friendly, conversational tone and lean forward to show engagement—and you’ll make others almost feel you’re right there with them.