Tag: ai

They are making me turn my camera on! – Teams Avatars

“Can everyone turn their cameras on please?”

A lot of us dread those words, but few of us consider the impact of the words on some of our colleagues.

Setting the Scene…

Another person, sometimes even a person in a position of authority, has directed someone else to expose their vulnerability and come onto camera. Panic sets in – carefully considering the options and fearful of repercussion, the individual reluctantly turns on the camera. Exposed, broken, and on view in front of people they may or may not know, they summon every ounce of strength inside to get through the rest of the meeting.

Or maybe they don’t – maybe they feign a technical issue. Maybe they pretend not to hear. Maybe they just decide to not oblige and hope the meeting is big enough that no one notices.

But sometimes, they may find themselves in the midst of a flashback – a terrible, vivid memory that makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and imagination. Thrown back to a time in which they were also made to feel vulnerable and exposed with no warning and no escape. By the time they get their bearings straight, the call is over. They have no idea of the content discussed and find themselves in need of some time and space to regroup.

What can be done about it

PTSD and CPTSD fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. In addition, nearly 6% of the population in the UK have anxiety disorders. Let’s explore ways we can make Teams calls more inclusive for everyone.

For those of us who are leading calls and asking our colleagues to participate, think about what is truly necessary to achieve the task at hand. Do we have to have cameras on to achieve our goal?

Maybe you just want everyone to feel more connected. There are lots of ways to do this, including icebreakers and team builders.

And consider this – you might also receive more input from someone who is more comfortable with the camera off. Better decisions come from gathering more information.

For those who find themselves uncomfortable on camera, there are alternatives that may assist. One possible solution is creating an avatar in Microsoft Teams to represent you in a “cameras on” meeting.

Here’s how you do it – Creating an Avatar

1. Install the Avatars app from the Teams Apps section.

a. Click the Apps button
b. Search for Avatars
c. Select Avatars from the right

The image shows a screenshot of the Microsoft Teams interface, specifically in the Apps section. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options including Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, and Activity. At the bottom of this sidebar, the "Apps" option is highlighted. In the main section of the interface, a search has been performed for "avatars," and the results are displayed. The first result is highlighted and shows an app named "Avatars" by Microsoft Corporation, with a button labeled "Open." This app has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 1545 ratings. Below this highlighted result, there are other app suggestions such as Murality, Answer Explorer, and another app with its name blurred, each with corresponding buttons and ratings or notes indicating their function. On the left below the search bar, categories are listed, including "Built by Microsoft," "Education," "Productivity," "Social," "Communication," and "Content management," along with a "See more" link. Further below, industries like "Education," "Finance," "Health care and life sciences," and "Other" are listed.


2. Open the Avatars app and select your preferred way to create an avatar – today I want to try a new feature called “Create from photo.”

If you are going to create from an existing photo, there are requirements that need to be met:

  • .jpeg, .bmp or .png format
  • 26-x26- to 4096×4096 and not exceed 10 MB
  • Directly face the camera, face in centre of image
  • Neutral facial expression
  • Remove sunglasses and headwear if possible
  • Image is taken in a well-lit environment

I really don’t want to search through all my photos and meet the requirements (shout out to ADHD for that one), so I am going to try the “Use Camera” feature and do this with my webcam.

Side note – I apparently don’t take this seriously and require several takes.

The image shows a screenshot of the Microsoft Teams interface, specifically in the Apps section. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options including Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, and Activity. At the bottom of this sidebar, the "Apps" option is highlighted. In the main section of the interface, a search has been performed for "avatars," and the results are displayed. The first result is highlighted and shows an app named "Avatars" by Microsoft Corporation, with a button labeled "Open." This app has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 1545 ratings. Below this highlighted result, there are other app suggestions such as Murality, Answer Explorer, and another app with its name blurred, each with corresponding buttons and ratings or notes indicating their function. On the left below the search bar, categories are listed, including "Built by Microsoft," "Education," "Productivity," "Social," "Communication," and "Content management," along with a "See more" link. Further below, industries like "Education," "Finance," "Health care and life sciences," and "Other" are listed.
The image shows a screenshot of the "Avatars" section within Microsoft Teams. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options such as Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, Activity, and Apps, with "Avatars" highlighted in purple. The main section of the interface displays the "Avatar builder" tab. At the top, there are three tabs: Avatars, Avatar builder (selected), and About. Below the tabs, there is a description: "Select 'Customise' to update your avatar. Create up to 3 different versions to express yourself in your Teams meetings and calls." In the center of the screen, a 3D avatar of a person is shown. The avatar has long, wavy brown hair with red highlights, wears purple glasses, a purple cardigan, and a maroon and white top. Below the avatar, there are two buttons: "Customise" and a trash can icon. To the right of the avatar, a vertical menu is displayed with options: "Create from photo" (highlighted in yellow), "Create from base," "Duplicate," and "Dismiss." Below these options, there are two smaller avatars displayed as profile pictures. The background of the main section features a gradient of light blue and pink. At the bottom of the screen, part of the user's taskbar with various icons is visible.
The image shows a pop-up window within the Microsoft Teams "Avatar builder" interface, detailing the requirements for uploading an image. The window is titled "Image requirements" and lists several criteria, each accompanied by an icon: 1. **Format**: The image must be in .jpeg, .bmp, or .png format. (Icon: Image file) 2. **Size**: The image should be between 360x360 and 4096x4096 pixels and not exceed 10 MB. (Icon: Image dimensions) 3. **Orientation**: The face should directly face the camera and be centered in the image. (Icon: Face in a frame) 4. **Expression**: The person should have a neutral facial expression. (Icon: Neutral face) 5. **Accessories**: Remove sunglasses and headwear if possible. (Icon: Sunglasses and hat) 6. **Lighting**: The image should be taken in a well-lit environment. (Icon: Light bulb) At the bottom of the window, there is a "Continue" button. The background of the window is slightly transparent, allowing a faint view of the avatar builder interface behind it.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams. On the left-hand side, the sidebar includes options like Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, Activity, and Apps, with "Avatars" highlighted in purple. The main area displays an avatar creation interface. A 3D avatar of a person with long, wavy brown hair with red highlights, wearing purple glasses, a purple cardigan, and a maroon and white top, is centered on the screen. Below the avatar, there are two buttons: a purple "Customise" button with a pencil icon and a trash can icon. On the right side, there is a vertical menu with the following options: 1. "Create from photo" highlighted in yellow. 2. "Create from base." 3. "Duplicate." 4. "Dismiss." Below these options, there are two smaller avatars displayed as profile pictures. The background features a gradient of light blue and pink. At the bottom of the screen, the user's taskbar with various icons is partially visible.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams, focused on the camera interface for creating an avatar. The interface is divided into several sections: 1. **Header**: The top of the screen has three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." 2. **Instructions**: Below the header, on the left side, there is a text instruction that reads, "Look at the camera. Position your face within the ring. For accuracy, take image in a well-lit space with a neutral expression." 3. **Camera View**: The central part of the screen shows a live camera feed with a person looking at the camera. The person is positioned within a circular frame guideline. The background features a home setting with stuffed toys and a lamp visible. 4. **Controls**: Below the camera view, there are several controls: - An "Upload image" button on the left. - A central camera icon within a circle to take the photo. - On the right, a purple "Use Photo" button. 5. **Additional Icons**: Below the camera button, there are smaller icons indicating different features or adjustments that can be made, including profile, gender selection, facial hair, accessories, and clothing options. 6. **Background**: The overall background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of taking a suitable photo for creating an avatar.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams, focused on the camera interface for creating an avatar. The interface is divided into several sections: 1. **Header**: The top of the screen has three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." 2. **Instructions**: Below the header, on the left side, there is a text instruction that reads, "Look at the camera. Position your face within the ring. For accuracy, take image in a well-lit space with a neutral expression." 3. **Camera View**: The central part of the screen shows a live camera feed with a person looking at the camera. The person is positioned within a circular frame guideline. The background features a home setting with stuffed toys and a lamp visible. 4. **Controls**: Below the camera view, there are several controls: - An "Upload image" button on the left. - A central camera icon within a circle to take the photo. - On the right, a purple "Use Photo" button. 5. **Additional Icons**: Below the camera button, there are smaller icons indicating different features or adjustments that can be made, including profile, gender selection, facial hair, accessories, and clothing options. 6. **Background**: The overall background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of taking a suitable photo for creating an avatar.

3. Adjust your avatar’s appearance to your preference.

With my photo option, I am able to select a body type, then clicking Save and Edit allows me to adjust various aspects of my Avatar, such as body shape, hair, clothing and more! When you are happy with the result, click Finish Customizing to save your Avatar.

The image shows the "Choose an avatar" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams. The interface is designed to allow users to select one of the generated avatars based on their photo. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there is an instruction that reads, "Choose an avatar. These avatars have been created from your photo and may differ from your actual appearance. Select one to continue. You’ll be able to customize your avatar more in the avatar builder." 2. **Avatar Options**: Three different avatars are displayed in circular frames, each with varying facial features and hairstyles: - The left avatar has long black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The middle avatar has shorter black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The right avatar has long black hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Selection**: The avatars are spaced evenly across the screen, allowing the user to click on one to select it. 4. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. 5. **Navigation**: There is no visible button on this screenshot, but the interface likely allows the user to click on one of the avatars to proceed to further customization options. The design is intended to provide users with a quick way to select an avatar that closely resembles their photo before making additional customizations.
The image shows the "Choose an avatar" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams. This interface allows users to select an avatar generated from their photo. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." The instruction reads, "Choose an avatar. These avatars have been created from your photo and may differ from your actual appearance. Select one to continue. You’ll be able to customize your avatar more in the avatar builder." 2. **Avatar Options**: Three different avatars are displayed in circular frames, each with varying facial features and hairstyles: - The left avatar has long black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The middle avatar has shorter black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The right avatar has long black hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Selection**: The avatars are spaced evenly across the screen, allowing the user to click on one to select it. 4. **Controls**: Below the avatars, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options, with the face customization icon (highlighted in purple) selected. 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting an avatar. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design is intended to provide users with a quick way to select an avatar that closely resembles their photo before making additional customizations.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focused on selecting a skin tone for the avatar. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." The instruction reads, "Select skin tone. Pick a skin tone for your avatar." 2. **Avatar Preview**: On the left side, there is a 3D model of a head and shoulders without facial features, used as a preview for the selected skin tone. 3. **Skin Tone Options**: On the right side, there are multiple circular color swatches arranged in a grid, each representing a different skin tone. One of the swatches is selected and highlighted with a purple circle. 4. **Controls**: Below the skin tone options, there is a horizontal slider that allows for fine-tuning the skin tone. Below the slider, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options, with the skin tone icon (highlighted in purple) selected. 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting a skin tone. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and adjust the skin tone for their avatar before moving on to further customization options.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting a body shape for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there is an instruction that reads, "Select body shape. Pick a body shape for your avatar." 2. **Avatar Preview**: On the left side of the screen, a close-up of a 3D avatar's face and upper body is displayed. The avatar has black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Body Shape Options**: On the right side, there are several silhouettes of avatars in different body shapes arranged in a grid. Each silhouette represents a different body shape option to choose from. 4. **Controls**: Below the avatar preview, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options. These include: - Profile - Hair - Face - Body shape (selected, highlighted in purple) - Clothing 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting a body shape. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of customizing their avatar's body shape before moving on to other customization options.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting and customizing hair for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the hair customization icon highlighted. 2. **Hair Style Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various hair styles. The selected hairstyle is highlighted with a purple border. The current selection is labeled "Long Straight Updo In Clip," and various other hairstyles are shown as thumbnails. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar showing the selected hair style and color. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Hair Color Options**: On the right side, there is a panel for selecting hair color. It includes a variety of color swatches, with the selected color (pinkish-purple) highlighted. There is also a color slider at the bottom for fine-tuning the color. 5. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the hairstyle and color for their avatar before finalizing their choices.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on customizing the face of the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the face customization icon highlighted in purple. 2. **Face Customization Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various face line options. The currently selected option is "No Face Lines," indicated by a crossed-out circle icon and highlighted with a purple border. Below this option, there are other face line options displayed as thumbnails, showing different levels of facial lines and wrinkles. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar showing the selected face customization. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 5. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the face lines and features for their avatar before finalizing their choices.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting and customizing the wardrobe for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the wardrobe icon highlighted in purple. 2. **Wardrobe Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various clothing items. The selected clothing item is highlighted with a purple border and labeled "Flared Sleeve Tunic Blouse." Various other clothing options are displayed as thumbnails. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar wearing the selected outfit. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is dressed in a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Color Options**: On the right side, there is a panel for selecting the primary color of the clothing. It includes a variety of color swatches, with the selected color (beige) highlighted. There is also a color slider at the bottom for fine-tuning the color. 5. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the clothing and color for their avatar before finalizing their choices.

Use your Avatar in a meeting

To use your avatar in a meeting, start with your camera off.

The image shows a section of the Microsoft Teams interface with a message indicating that the user's camera is turned off. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Message**: In the center, there is a grey icon of a camera with a slash through it, accompanied by the text "Your camera is turned off." 2. **Control Bar**: At the bottom of the window, there is a control bar with three options: - A camera toggle switch, which appears to be in the off position, represented by a camera icon with a slash. - An "Effects and avatars" button, represented by an icon of a person with sparkles around them. - A settings gear icon. The interface is designed to inform the user that their camera is currently turned off and provides options to turn it on or access effects and avatar settings.


Click on the Effects and avatars option to select the avatar you would like to use. You can also select a background. After you have made your selections, click Join now to attend the meeting.

The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting setup screen for a meeting titled "Meeting with Heather Perriam." The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Meeting Title**: At the top, it displays the Microsoft Teams logo, the text "Microsoft Teams Meeting," and the meeting title "Meeting with Heather Perriam." 2. **Video Preview**: On the left side, there is a video preview window showing the selected avatar in a virtual background of a stylish living room. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is wearing a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. 3. **Effects and Avatars**: Below the video preview, there is a button labeled "Effects and avatars," which is selected and highlighted. 4. **Video Effects**: Under the "Effects and avatars" section, there are two categories: - **Avatars**: This section shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. - **Backgrounds**: This section displays various background options with the current selection showing a living room. 5. **Audio Settings**: On the right side, there are audio settings: - **Computer audio**: Selected, with options to choose the audio device (Jabra EVOLVE 20). - **Phone audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Room audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Don't use audio**: Option available but not selected. - Volume control slider and mute toggle button. 6. **Buttons**: At the bottom right, there are two buttons: - **Cancel**: Grey button to cancel joining the meeting. - **Join now**: Blue button to join the meeting. The interface is designed to allow users to customize their video and audio settings before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting.

While in the meeting

During the meeting, you can express emotions with your avatar through the More button, then Avatars and Effects. You can even set your Avatar’s mood!

The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting setup screen for a meeting titled "Meeting with Heather Perriam." The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Meeting Title**: At the top, it displays the Microsoft Teams logo, the text "Microsoft Teams Meeting," and the meeting title "Meeting with Heather Perriam." 2. **Video Preview**: On the left side, there is a video preview window showing the selected avatar in a virtual background of a stylish living room. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is wearing a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. 3. **Effects and Avatars**: Below the video preview, there is a button labeled "Effects and avatars," which is selected and highlighted. 4. **Video Effects**: Under the "Effects and avatars" section, there are two categories: - **Avatars**: This section shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. - **Backgrounds**: This section displays various background options with the current selection showing a living room. 5. **Audio Settings**: On the right side, there are audio settings: - **Computer audio**: Selected, with options to choose the audio device (Jabra EVOLVE 20). - **Phone audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Room audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Don't use audio**: Option available but not selected. - Volume control slider and mute toggle button. 6. **Buttons**: At the bottom right, there are two buttons: - **Cancel**: Grey button to cancel joining the meeting. - **Join now**: Blue button to join the meeting. The interface is designed to allow users to customize their video and audio settings before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting.
The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting with the "Video effects and settings" panel open, specifically focusing on avatars. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Avatar**: On the left, a 3D avatar of a person with pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and a beige blouse is displayed against a virtual background of a stylish living room with modern decor, including a cactus and a couch. 2. **Top Menu Bar**: At the top of the screen, there are icons for various meeting options: - **Chat**: Opens the chat window. - **People**: Shows participants. - **Raise**: Raise hand option. - **React**: Send reactions. - **View**: Change the view. - **Rooms**: Manage breakout rooms. - **Copilot**: Access copilot features. - **Apps**: Access apps. - **More**: Opens additional settings. - **Camera**: Toggle camera on/off. - **Mic**: Mute/unmute microphone. - **Share**: Share screen or content. - **Leave**: Red button to leave the meeting. 3. **Video Effects and Settings Panel**: On the right side, the "Video effects and settings" panel is open, showing three tabs: - **Video effects** - **Avatars** (selected) - **Settings** 4. **Avatars Tab**: The avatars tab includes: - **Your Avatar**: Shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. A button labeled "Edit my avatar" is available. - **Avatar Reactions**: Various reactions for the avatar such as Wave, Kawaii, Yes - Slow Nod, Chef’s Kiss, and Thinking. A "Show All" option is also present. - **Avatar Backgrounds**: Various background options are displayed, with the current selection showing a living room. The "Show All" option allows for viewing more backgrounds. 5. **Controls**: At the bottom of the panel, there are buttons for "Preview" and "Apply avatars," along with a note that others won’t see the avatar while you preview. The interface allows users to customize their avatars and backgrounds, as well as apply reactions, enhancing the meeting experience in Microsoft Teams.

You Did It!


I hope this was helpful – as we learn more about each other, we can continue to do better and strive for an inclusive workplace.

For further information on Avatars in Teams, visit Microsoft Support

For more information on PTSD, visit https://www.ptsduk.org/