Wheat State's August 2020 Newsletter

Wheat State Technologies • 1/800 442-6835 • www.wheatstate.com Drive-Thru Day Deserves Attention This Year As a result of the social distancing being done to reduce the spread of COVID-19, drive-thru lanes at restau- rants, pharmacies, banks, and other businesses have been busier (and more essential) than ever. So in 2020, it seems only fitting to celebrate on July 24, National Drive-Thru Day. The first drive-thru restaurant, Red’s Giant Hamburger, opened in 1947 on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri. Red’s closed in 1984, so the award for the longest-running burger drive- thru goes to the original In-N-Out Burger, which opened in 1948 in the Los Angeles area. (McDonald’s didn’t open a drive-thru until 1975.) Since then, we’ve all grown accus- tomed to the convenience of picking up food and other items without get- ting out of the car—no parking spot to find, no need to bring kids into the store, and no worries about what you’re wearing. Now those benefits have been joined by new, pandemic- related ones including less exposure and more safety. You can pay your bill with Wheat State Technologies by driving up to our office and placing your payment in our exterior drop box. You can also pay online at www.wheatstate.com call 1/800 442-6835 to pay by phone with a credit card, or mail a check to us. You may be participating in more video calls these days, whether in a virtual meeting for a community group or just hanging out with family and friends. If you’ve ever been disappointed by how you look on the screen, don’t worry. These tips can help you enhance your appearance. 1. Choose your light source carefully. A common reason for people not looking their best in a video call is bad lighting. Overhead lights are the worst kind because they cast a shadow straight down, creating dark areas under your eyes. What will be more flattering is to have a light source that brightens your face, positioned either directly in front of you or slightly to the right or left. Natural light is better than artificial light, so if possible, set up your video call where you can face a window. 2. Position the camera at eye level. The angle of your camera can have a significant impact on the way you look on a video call. Don’t put your laptop or tablet in your lap, since you’ll be looking down at the camera— the most unforgiving angle possible. Instead, prop up your device on pillows or a stack of books so its camera is aligned with your eyes. 3. Look straight into the camera. Resist the temptation to keep looking at your own image on the screen. Instead, think of the camera as the other people on the video call and make eye contact with them. Don’t forget to smile! 4. Maintain good posture and use body language. Sitting up straight makes a huge difference when you’re on camera, just as it does when you’re talking to people in real life. Good posture helps you look better and appear more confident. Also, remember that a video call provides more ways to express yourself than a voice call. You can use your hands and facial expressions for emphasis, and you’ll probably look more natural when you do so. Fast internet and a strong Wi-Fi connection will also enhance video calls. To learn more, call Wheat State Technologies at 1/800 442-6835. Four Tips for Putting Your Best Face Forward During Video Calls