(Can we say this too often?) If you are not speaking, please mute your microphone! Thanks in advance!
First Things First . . .
This guide to best practices assumes that you have read our other sections on using Zoom. But just in case, here is a helpful link to get you back to the beginning: Introduction to Zoom
And one other helpful page: Interacting in Zoom
Check Your Connection
Do this in advance of your lecture or meeting!
Check your internet (broadband wired or wireless [3G or 4G/LTE]) bandwidth using Speedtest.
| Bandwidth | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Bandwidth |
600 kbps |
1.2 Mbps |
|
Recommended |
3.0 Mbps |
3.8 Mbps |
In Case of a Slow Connection
Turn your cell phone into a hot spot for faster connectivity.
- Unplug the power from your wireless router and leave unplugged.
- Unplug the power from your modem.
- Wait two minutes, then plug the power back into the modem.
- It will take a few minutes for the modem to boot back up.
- Finally, plug the power back into the wireless router. It will take a few minutes for your router to fully boot up as well.
We recommend using ethernet whenever possible for the most reliable internet connection.
Ask them to verify if there are any outages with the network in your area and ask them to run a diagnostic test of your modem.
Pro Move
Update the firmware on your wireless modem.
Most instructions for how to update the firmware on your modem can be found by doing a Google search of the brand of your router and how to update the firmware. Example: "How to update the firmware on a Linksys router."
Problems Connecting?
Sometimes this is an easy fix.
Sometimes this is an easy fix. Reduce the number of devices on your network.
This includes large downloads or uploads, streaming videos, cloud file synchronizations (OneDrive), etc.
Zoom will devote part of your internet connection to an audio stream, even when you are not speaking.
It takes up bandwidth, too, sorry!
Check your internet (broadband wired or wireless [3G or 4G/LTE]) bandwidth using Speedtest.net.
Headphones
When possible, try to use a good-quality camera and headset instead of your computer’s built-in ones. Zoom works just fine with the built-ins, but the quality is even sharper with higher-quality hardware.
Look Your Best
Maybe it’s just me, but it is really discouraging—not to mention distracting!—to see my face reflected back at me during Zoom meetings if the lighting and angle are unflattering. Take a few minutes to look at the way your workspace is set up, and consider the following suggestions for:
- Lighting
- Camera height and angle
- The setting
- Your wardrobe
Lighting
Overhead fluorescents are good for illuminating a desk, but dismal for showing us in our best light (is that pun too awful?)—it is harsh and emphasizes shadows on our faces.
Note the two lighting sources:
- Natural light + sheer curtains = very flattering.
- And since the natural lighting in my workspace is indirect, I set up a second light source to avoid shadows.
We recommend indirect light with a source behind your webcam, so that your face is evenly illuminated. During the day, a big window with sheer curtains is perfect. (Blinds are not ideal, as the light that comes in through the slats can confuse a camera’s automatic light adjustments.)
No window? A desk lamp with a warm lightbulb can also serve the same purpose. If you need to use a desk lamp to light your Zoom call, put it at eye height. It will make it easier to see your facial expressions, and you will look like your most expressive and engaged self, as close to an in-person meeting as possible!
Camera Height and Angle
I personally put my laptop on top of two cookbooks (Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking + The Crimson Spoon = a great height for me), so it’s closer to my light source and helps me avoid looking down at my screen, which creates shadows (and wrinkles where they aren’t usually so noticeable, I promise!)—and an unflattering view of my chin.
At a minimum, your webcam should be slightly above eye level, so you’ll be looking straight ahead.
Also consider moving your video window to the top of your screen, so that your gaze stays near your webcam.
Try to look at the camera—it can be hard to remember since it’s much more interesting to look at your participants’ faces (not to mention your own smiling mug), but looking into the lens will feel more like an in-person conversation.
What kind of message do you want your surroundings to send? Think about what you want your student audience to see in your background—there’s a sweet spot between too personal (dishes, a messy room, bedsheets—please, no!) and too sterile (a blank beige wall—we hate to think of you working from a cell). A bookcase behind you would be great for a professorial vibe, but plants can also warm up your scene.
The Setting
Think about everything that makes noise around you—is your washing machine running or your dryer beeping? Does your dog love to bark? Consider interference, and minimize or eliminate it. Seeing pets, children, and spouses can be a fun distraction, but it can also derail a discussion or undercut a moment. Along those lines, try not to have a door behind you (if it opens, it’s an interruption), and think about putting up a sign to let others around you know that you are in a meeting or recording a presentation.
If your chair has wheels, don’t spin, fidget, or roll around. The effect can be disconcerting on video, and your microphone can pick up the vibrations.
Your Wardrobe
Of course, we at the College of Medicine always look professional, but there are a few specific clothing tips so you can make your best impression.
Note the clothing choice in the images above: A nice College of Medicine fleece is an easy choice to wear to a Zoom meeting. No baubles needed to accessorize, and no fear of showing more of myself than I intend. But here are some easy guidelines for other ensembles:
- Lean conservative: Best not to wear a strapless or deep V-neck top. You will potentially look topless in the video, and you also risk exposure because your video camera is (if you took our advice) positioned above you or if you lean over or sit down while the meeting is on.
- Dress simply: Also avoid clothes that have intricate patterns like narrow stripes or plaid—they can distort or moiré on screen—as well as fabrics that have a noticeable sheen. And sidestep the effect of a floating head—make sure you don’t match your background too well!
- Pare down: Along those same lines, skip shiny or jangly jewelry, as they can be distracting.
Just one more thing: Sit up straight! (You look great!)
Be Polite
We are a polite bunch at the College of Medicine, but just in case these points need to be said, here are some general guidelines for courteous behavior during remote meetings:
- Please, no eating. It’s unappealing to watch and reminds the rest of us how hungry we are.
- Try not to multitask; in a small remote meeting, everyone can see your focus change. But if you do have to, make sure you’re muted!
- Try to be on time and be prepared, even if you’re not hosting.
- Please, refrain from private behavior—you really don’t want us to see you scratching your armpits (or worse).
- Mute your microphone unless you’re speaking or you’re in a small meeting (three people—tops).
- Use reactions like Raise Hand if you have a question or comment to interject.
- Turn your video on—it encourages human connection!
These tips were inspired by The Wirecutter and Zoom (here and here).
Want a Second Opinion or a Test Run?
Get in touch with MedTech
We are here to help you do your best!
PRACTICE!
(We can't recommend this enough—it helps to quickly gain confidence.)
Click the link and follow the blue Join button to start a test meeting. This way you can test all of the different functions of Zoom—before you get into a video conference!
Your best teacher is yourself.
Record yourself and watch the playback with a critical eye. Did you talk too quickly? Too many ums and ers?
Need Proof?
Check out this series of photos of MedTech’s James—before and after he followed these excellent best practices!
by the Office of Technology