As they say in the biz, Lights, Camera, Action! Whether you’re running a meeting or are invited to one, you’ll want to make sure your settings are adjusted to make your time on Zoom a smooth and professional experience.
Have good lighting that lands directly on your face and try to avoid ceiling lights. If natural lighting is too much, try to use sheer white shades to minimize the harsh tones.
Cameras are built into most computers these days, so before you join a meeting make sure your internal or external cameras are syncing.
When you are ready for the action, people will want to hear you. You’ll need to have your mic within your computer working and be sure to minimize all external sounds. If noise distractions are impossible to minimize, then use a headset or EarPods.
Zoom offers users a great, interactive experience. Advanced settings in Zoom can help you set up your meetings/webinars for success!
Here are a few preparation tips for Hosts:
1. Go to MY ACCOUNT in your Zoom Home Page to set up your functionality:
- UNDER PROFILE: Provide your first and last name as the user AND be sure to personalize by adding your picture to your profile! This will be your set image when you are not sharing your video!
- UNDER MEETINGS: Schedule new meetings here or use the desktop application
- UNDER SETTINGS: This is where a lot of the behind-the-scenes magic happens –> review each bold statement and choose if it is on or off.
- Add functionality like “Polling” to keep users engaged – You can turn on POLLING and customize it in this setting. *To use, you must do this before a scheduled Zoom!
- Add “Breakout Rooms” to create discussion rooms to engage smaller segments of the group at once. They can rejoin the main group with a click of a button. As the facilitator, you can jump in and out of discussion rooms. You can turn on BREAKOUT ROOMS and customize them in this setting. *The Host and designated Co-Host can facilitate this for groups.
- Use the Whiteboard and screen-sharing functions to create entertaining breaks in your Zoom meetings.
2. Prepare your screen for sharing
- Always join with your computer’s audio and video if you don’t have something else already set up.
- Once you’ve STARTED or JOINED a Zoom meeting, check the little up arrow by STOP VIDEO on the bottom left side and check that the following Video Settings are on:
- Touch up your appearance. You’ll be glad you did!
- Use a virtual background. You can use this to change your background image to a picture or a jpeg of your company’s logo.
3. Model behavior you’d like to see by using the Chat box or by raising your own hand when you pose a question that you are looking for an answer to.
Here are a few additional tips for users joining Zoom meetings!
- In advance of Zooming, minimize or close any unnecessary tabs to avoid distraction.
- Always join with your computer’s audio and video if you don’t have something else already set up.
- Once you’ve JOINED a Zoom meeting, check the little up arrow by STOP VIDEO on the bottom left side and check that the following Video Settings are on:
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- Touch up your appearance. You’ll be glad you did!
- Use a virtual background. You can use this to change your background image to a picture or a jpeg of your company’s logo.
- If using CHAT, make sure your message is directed to EVERYONE, or choose an individual to “chat” privately with.
- Only one person can screen share at a time, so make sure to STOP sharing when finished.
- Mute your device if you aren’t talking.
- Wear solid colors if using this for important meetings or interviews.
It’s a great way to stay connected. What better time than now to Zoom?!
- There are NO boring topics. You as the facilitator control how exciting a meeting is!
- Host meetings in the mornings, not after lunch. If after lunch, be sure to make it very engaging as food coma and distractions will definitely set in!
- MUTE YOUR DEVICE – avoid sharing unpleasantries from background noise. Just remember to unmute when it’s your turn to talk!
- Stay connected and energized by scheduling Zoom meetings as walking meetings!
