If you, like the majority of Aotearoa’s workers right now, are having to rely on technology to communicate, chances are you’ve got a Zoom call coming up. Here are our top tips for making the most of a Zoom call with your friends or colleagues.
You’re probably on mute
There is a nearly 100 per cent probability that, in the next few weeks of your lockdown life, you’re going to hear the phrase, “I think you’re on mute”. Hear it, embrace it, and learn where the mute button is (it’s at the bottom left of your screen).
Virtual backgrounds can be very good (and very bad)
If your computer meets the requirements, there is a whole range of virtual backgrounds you can add to make your Zoom call a little more aesthetically pleasing. Sutliff and South Injury and Accident Law firm have even put together a collection of virtual backgrounds for lawyers!
Example: if your computer meets the requirements for a Zoom background, you’re going to look a little bit like the Tiger King photo on the left. If not, expect the cat king failure on the right.
To add a virtual background, click the upwards arrow next to your video icon and pick Choose a Virtual Background
Keep the private chats off the Zoom
If you’re tempted to banter with someone using the private chat function on Zoom, here’s some advice: you probably shouldn’t. If someone who has privately messaged throughout the chat downloads the chat history for meeting minutes, all of their private messages will be included. Keep yourself safe and keep the off-topic chats offline.
Invest in a set of earphones (with a microphone)
We’ve all been on a video conference with the dreaded echo that no one wants to admit to being the cause of. There are two easy ways to avoid hearing every word rebound around you like you’re meeting in a cave — enforce muting while you’re not speaking, and get yourself a pair of earphones (bonus points if they have a microphone) to keep everyone’s voices funnelled effectively, straight to your ears.
Establish a speaking order
Have a specified facilitator, and have them keep track of speaking order using the chat function. You can’t guarantee that everyone will be seen on screen at all times (although, if your meeting is small enough, the “gallery view” function will help), so this is the best way to make sure everyone is able to speak up and contribute to the conversation in the same ways they normally would in the office. It’s simple, but effective — “[name1] is next, then [name2]” in the chat and suddenly, five people aren’t competing to talk at once.
Act normal
It’s a strange time for us all, and shifting many of our professional and social interactions to the screen can be a challenge. Whether it’s a friendly catch up or a formal meeting, remember that your expressions and body language will still be visible for all when your camera is on, and act accordingly. This extends to your “workplace” attire — try to remember to wear pants!