The Zoom video meetings client app has become very popular since our world changed, providing a window into the ‘new way of doing’ community, education and work. Although it is not as well supported or secure as other business solutions such as Microsoft Teams, its ease of use and ‘free’ availability have made it the favourite choice for mixed abilitity meetings and varied devices.
The Zoom.us website offers a plethora of support and help articles and videos. I don’t intend to summarise such a resources, but I offer some basics here to get you started.
Actually, a really good place to start is here: Zoom | Support during the COVID-19 pandemic with videos and tutorials.
WARNING: If any of this advice is too detailed or confusing, please say so, and between us we can help you get going.
First of all, what device will you be using?
You may have a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop computer, a tablet or smartphone, with Apple (iOS) or Android installed. Zoom will download and install on all these. Zoom is also supported on devices that run Linux, Chrome OS and Blackberry.
On a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) you will need to visit the App-Store relevant to your system, such as the iOS App Store. Search for Zoom, and install it.
Here are some links for iOS and Android:
Getting Started with iOS – Zoom Help Center
Getting Started with Android – Zoom Help Center
On a Mac or PC based system, you get the chance to install the app on the first time you try to join a meeting. You can also install it directly from the Zoom.us website here: Download Center – Zoom
Here are some useful help resources for windows and Mac:
Getting Started on Windows and Mac – Zoom Help Center
Audio & Video
The principle of any video meeting is to communicate – hearing, seeing, speaking….! Simple, yes? No!
It can be extremely frustrating for all concerned, espcially you, to find that your pearls of wisdom have gone unheard, or you are unseen….
You have the option to confugure audio and video at the point of joining the meeting. Have a look at these resources and videos:
Testing computer or device audio
How Do I Change The Video Layout?
In addition to your own control over ‘mute’ or ‘unmute’, the meeting organiser can manage some of these settings.
Zoom Etiquette
I have been trying for years to get my clients to use these technologies for remote meetings and support, to no avail. It’s never been as popular as it is now! However, to make it a splendid experience for all, here are a few tips to avoid the faux pas of the modern age!
- Experiment with positioning…. yes, aim to get your best angle! Perhaps avoid a view of ‘up your nose’, or parts of you that are visible without license, such as décolletage – if you don’t mind me saying…..ahem…..!
- Light! Try to place yourself where there is a light source in front of you. If it is behind, you are in shadow. Avoid strong lights, and bright sunshine….. let your inner radiance dazzle us….
- Sound – many devices have extremely sensitive microphones that pick-up background noise often better than what is spoken. Washing machines, tweety birds, rowdy or warmongering family members, demonstrative pets, traffic (ok not so much these days!) etc. It is often best to remain muted until you wish to talk – see resources above
- Be aware of your ‘resting face’ and perhaps avoid closing your eyes for too long…. It can be disconcerting to be in a meeting with someone who is asleep….. and it can be impossible to get someones attention in such circumstances
- If you haven’t quite got the hang of muting and umuting your audio (see above) please don’t be surprised if people are waving frantically or holding up signs that say “you are muted”…. It happens.
- If you have to leave the meeting temporarily – without ending the session – don’t worry, and you don’t have to explain. Your absence will be lamented and your return met with joy……and probably more waving!
- We will love your home decor – the backdrop of books and objet d’art that speak of a life lived, of wisdom and sophistication; or maybe you are in front of a window or scene of activity….. remember, its your face we truly want to see…. Come closer….. ok, not too close, see item 1 above!
- We try to take it in turns to speak, like true Anglicans! This is mainly due to the sound issues (see 2 above) but also so that everyone gets a go.
- Finally, mobile device users……. holding a phone or tablet gets tedious and uncomfortable. Find a way to prop it up. Please don’t lay the device down as we will be treated to a view of your ceiling….. or maybe something else… it is ok to leave the meeting and return.
What to do if it All Goes Horribly Wrong!
To be honest, this is technology that spans distance, networks, cables, security; is reliant on different systems, hardware, availability … with the chance of disconnecting for any number of reasons….
You as a ‘meeting attendee’ are also a variable in all of this….. but, more often than not, the simplest of solutions is the best.
Simon says….
- Locate your Internet router – it may be the wireless access device, maybe near the telly…. Blinky lights, cables etc
- Switch it off…. Wait 5 mins and switch it back on, wait up to 10 mins before trying the Internet again….
- Maybe do this with all networked devices…..
- In the meantime, power your computer off… then on again…
- On a mobile device, try closing some apps, restart the device, disconnect and reconnect to the wifi…..
- Make sure you are ‘in range’ on wireless devices…. Please don’t disappear into the garden if there is no signal… we won’t be coming with you!
- And if you have to ask a ‘young person’ for help, don’t take any lip from them!
And Finally….
Yes, we are all broadcasters now! It is hoped that this (and other) technology will assist our isolated lives, keeping us together in a fun, enjoyable way. Please experiment, you are unlikely to break anything….. !
During the meeting is the time to familiarise yourself with the screen, controls and what happens if…. dont’ be shy, ask others for help if you need it.
Try a Virtual Background, or the chat feature. Learn how to setup a meeting of your own with friends and family, or extend your reach for a social enterprise or a hobby.
The above lists and “advice” are by no means exhaustive. Other people use Zoom more than I do and I anticpate many additional sugestions. So, speak to others, play around with it, and develop your own Best Practice…. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: To date, I have only used Zoom on a Mac and a Windows tablet. I can assist with Apple/iOS but not Android (not easily anyway).