Zoom tips for the modern age

If you’ve ever joined more than three people on a Skype or Zoom conference call, I hope you’ll appreciate these tips, and perhaps share them:

1. Sit close to the screen. Your face should fill most of it.
2. Use an external microphone or headset. Regardless of how you’re amplified, remember that the microphone is only a foot away, which means you don’t have to strain or raise your voice. Also, consider Krisp if you have background noise issues.
3. When you’re not talking, hit mute. If you’re on mute, press and hold the space bar and you can be heard.
4. Don’t eat during the meeting.
5. When you’re on mute during an audio call, you can do whatever you want. But when you’re on mute on a video call, you need to act like you’re truly engaged. Nod your head. Focus on the screen. Don’t get up and feed your dog.
6. Don’t sit with the window behind you. A little effort on lighting goes a very long way.
7. When you’re talking, spend some time looking at the camera, not the screen. You’ll appear more earnest and honest this way.
8. When you’re talking, go slow. No one is going to steal your slot.
9. Don’t walk if you’re using a phone. And if you’re using a laptop, don’t put it on your lap.
10. Please (!) do not use an animated background. Do not use a funny one either. If we’re noticing your background, you’re doing it wrong.

These are obvious. They are generous. They’re effective.

And almost no one puts in the effort to consistently deliver on them. It’s worth it.