Zoom Meeting Tips
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Teaching RUEHLIN TRANSITION COURSE VIA ZOOM
We are now conducting business on virtual platforms and we will continue in the future even after the pandemic. Whether you connect on Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams or Zoom, ensure you present your best look by doing a little preparation prior to signing on. Here’s a few tips that will make your online interaction shine. I’ve included the products that I use as examples.
1. Screen Setup
No matter what device you use, set the camera height at your eye level. That means you’ll probably need to raise your laptop, tablet, or phone. You can stack up some books or purchase equipment designed to hold your device.
For a laptop, I found an adjustable folding laptop stand called “Newton.”
For a tablet, I use a holder that attaches to a tripod.
For phone or tablet, you may find a tabletop holder helpful. Here’s an example.
2. Lighting
Light up your face. You can face a window for natural light, or better yet, position a light in front of you. Avoid a window behind you because it tends to put your face in the dark.
Lume Cube is a small rectangular light with selectable color “temperature” and brightness that I’ve found helpful.
3. Microphone
Test your audio. My laptop audio could not be heard by all participants. I added a stand-alone microphone to improve the audio quality. Here’s a review by Wirecutter that tested multiple USB mics to check out.
I use the Blue Yeti microphone because I “borrowed” it from my wife’s desk setup.
4. Background Choice
Virtual meetings from your home give unexpected intimacy with views of your living room or office. Think about the image that you want to portray. For a humorous look check out “Room Rater” that comments on backgrounds portrayed on TV: “Don’t make your printer your focal point.” Some Platforms provide Virtual Background options but avoid using them because they tend to distort behind your image and are distracting.
5. Turn Off Notifications and Background Apps
During the time scheduled for your meeting, turn off all your notifications, especially if they produce sounds. In addition, background apps may slow down your processing and could cause freezing of your screen or loss of audio. Silence your phone as well.
6. Dual Monitors
If you are tuning in for a presentation that uses slides or if you are presenting slides, you may consider a second screen. I extend rather than mirror my computer monitor. This allows you to separate the presentation from video participant frames and chat box. I keep the slide presentation on my computer screen and put the video and chat box on the second screen. I use a smart TV for my second monitor by connecting my computer to an unused HDMI input.
For Zoom meetings, here’s their instructions for using dual monitors.
7. Personalize Profile-Add a Photo
For some meetings, your video image may not be necessary or you aren’t “dressed for success”. If you haven’t already added a picture, the display without video will be you initials in a circle. To add a photo, select settings on each site listed under your profile. Here are the specifics for the most commonly used platforms:
8. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Match your wardrobe choice to the meeting setting. Most meetings are conducted now with business casual attire. However, if it’s an interview, a suit jacket and tie or dress might be the appropriate choice. Stick to solid colors for best digital appearance. Check out television news journalists for examples.