You've Got Mail (Except It's a Zoom Meeting): How to Not Become a Meme
Ah, Zoom. The savior of social interaction in a socially-distanced world. But let's face it, starting a Zoom meeting can be as smooth (or bumpy) as your internet connection. Fear not, fellow videoconferencers! With this handy guide, you'll be a Zoom whiz in no time, avoiding the pitfalls of virtual faux pas.
 |
| How To Star A Zoom |
Step 1: Assemble Your Cast of Characters (and Ensure They're Not Fictional)
- The Host: You, magnificent creature! Make sure you're signed into the correct account. No one wants Uncle Larry photobombing your business meeting.
- The Attendees: Double-check those email addresses. You wouldn't want to accidentally invite your grandma to your poker night (although, plot twist: grandma might be a poker shark).
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy, add a quirky meeting title. "Not-So-Silent Disco Extravaganza" or "Cat Appreciation Society: The Revenge of Mittens" are sure to grab attention (and possibly some concerned looks from colleagues).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Step 2: Prepare Your Battle Station (Because Meetings Are War... but with PowerPoint)
- Lighting: Nobody wants to see you in shadowplay. Unless you're hosting a vampire support group meeting, then by all means, embrace the darkness.
- Background: Is your messy room screaming for attention? Consider a virtual background! Channel your inner news anchor or pretend you're on a beach vacation (while secretly wearing sweatpants).
Warning: Avoid backgrounds that are too busy or have moving elements. Unless you want to hypnotize your attendees into a trance (not recommended for work meetings).
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
Step 3: Showtime! But Wait... Did You Mute Yourself?
- The Golden Rule of Zoom: Mute yourself when not speaking. This prevents unwanted background noise (vacuuming cats, rogue kazoo players, you name it).
- Camera on or Camera Off? This is the age-old question. If you're feeling self-conscious, a well-placed profile picture works wonders. Just avoid using that questionable selfie from your high school prom.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a good pair of headphones. It cancels out background noise and makes you look super professional (even if you're wearing pajamas).
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
 |
Step 4: Embrace the (Sometimes Awkward) Magic of Zoom
- The inevitable mic-check moment: It happens to the best of us. Don't panic! Just unmute yourself and say a quick "Hello? Can you hear me?"
- The disappearing attendee: Did they leave the meeting or are they just having internet issues? Send a virtual nudge through the chat to find out.
- The surprise guest star: Your cat decides to make a grand entrance mid-meeting. Just roll with it! Your audience might be more entertained by a fluffy feline than your presentation on stapler safety (unless your presentation is about stapler safety for cats, then by all means, continue).
Remember: Technical difficulties and unexpected moments happen. The key is to laugh them off and keep the meeting moving.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
So there you have it! With these tips, you'll be a Zoom master in no time. Now go forth and conquer the world of virtual communication, one pixelated face at a time!
 |
