It can be kind of awkward if your parents or roommates are watching you video chat with someone.

Solid-colored backgrounds look better on camera than busy prints.

You could talk about the shows you’ve been watching, your pets, how school is going, or how excited you are for an upcoming event.

If your arm starts to get tired, place your phone on a coffee table or a shelf. Just make sure your microphone isn’t covered up so the other person can still hear you.

Try to glance up at the camera every now and then, too. It will make it feel like you’re making eye contact with the other person.

For instance, when you first pick up the FaceTime call, you might say, “Hey! I heard you were going to be valedictorian this year?” or, “Hey! I have the craziest thing to tell you. ”

“Be honest—are you wearing sweatpants right now?” “Would you rather fight 10 duck-sized horses or 1 horse-sized duck?”

“How’s school been going for you?” “What have you been watching lately?” “What are your plans for the summer?”

For instance, you might say, “The funniest thing happened to me the other day—I was walking while looking down at my phone and I ran straight into a pole! There were tons of people on the sidewalk, I’m sure people were laughing at me. It was hilarious. ”

For instance, you might grab a soccer trophy that’s on your desk and tell the tale of when you won the championship in 8th grade.

Just don’t do anything bathroom-related (gross!) or chores (boring!). The activity should be something you can do in the background while still chatting.

You could say something like, “Well, it’s getting a little late. I should probably go make dinner. I had such a fun time talking to you!”