If you haven’t used Zoom before click the link to download Zoom before the conference and familiarize yourself with the features.
On the day of the conference, join early – up to 5 minutes before the meeting start time – so as to not miss anything. Test your video and audio before your meeting at zoom.us/test. If you are presenting, be sure to test all other technologies you will use.
In order to cut down on cross-talk and interruptions, audience members will be muted during presentations.
Audio
Your mic will be muted when you join. To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking.
Find a quiet space without interruptions and be mindful of background noise. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers or typing.
Try to avoid talking over / at the same time as other participants.
Video
Unless your appearance or background is very distracting, it is recommended that you turn ON your video during discussion sections. Video is crucial in building trust and engagement in virtual communications.
If you are using a web camera, position your camera properly. Be sure it is in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement with other participants.
Consider your environment. Try to have a clean, plain background and avoid backlight from bright windows. (Zoom also provides virtual backgrounds to help you disguise even the most recklessly cluttered environments.) Position yourself to have good lighting on your face so you can be seen clearly.
Though most of us will be attending from the comfort of our homes, we would like to replicate the conference experience as best we can so please dress as you would were we meeting in person.
Etiquette
Limit possible distractions. You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone.
Even though it’s tempting, try not to multitask too much. You’ll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or text messages during the meeting and wait to work on that PowerPoint presentation until after the meeting ends. Be aware you are on camera and try to avoid doing other tasks, checking emails, looking at your phone etc. And if you must attend to other tasks, please mute yourself.
If you can, hold off on eating full meals during the meeting.
Refrain from private behavior – i.e. scratching your armpits, picking your nose. We can see you!
