To save you time and heartache, but only if you’re using Zoom regularly in your business. I am and have used all these shortcuts with great results:
- When sharing files with the chatbox, it’s much easier to just drag the file into the chat area and let it go. I put the files needed for a session on my desktop on one of my monitors to quickly locate the file and drag it into the chat.
- Invest in multiple monitors. Most PC graphics cards can house up to 4 monitors. Zoom can only use two – one for a gallery view and the other for the active speaker. But you can use monitor 3 for the chatbox, participant list and the breakout room box, which is very useful. Monitor 4 can be used to house any camera software such as Capture or Vmix or your PowerPoint deck.
- Set up multiple cameras just like on the BBC News. This allows you to get instant changes in your angles. I use 3 cameras fixed to my PC. Camera 1 for my Zoom Zone, where I run group discussions and stories, Camera 2 for my slides can use a split view of me and slides plus green screen. Camera 3 is for my whiteboard. I can capture group information and brainstorm or present it to my group in an engaging style.
- Rather than using Zooms mouse controls to do these things, which can be very cumbersome, invest in a Streamdeck or ATEM Mini. These clever gadgets contain keys which you programme to do those actions. So changing the camera angle or sharing the screen can take seconds.
- Start your session 15 minutes before the allotted time and greet early arrivals. You can build some rapport and iron out any technical problems they might have. Such as their own webcam angle or sound before they start interrupting the main session. Because they will.
- Give instructions on how things work as you need to, not all at once at the beginning. Because people will forget. For example, I always teach the “pin” function right off the bat but will teach the annotating ribbon when I want them to annotate on a whiteboard
And whilst we’re on the BBC News, end like a newsreader, this has helped me out many times since I adopted it. Finish and say your goodbyes and remain online until everyone leaves. Look down and shuffle imaginary paper until they’ve all exited. I’ve had some beneficial conversations with people who used this opportunity, usually the company’s boss who wanted to talk about her next stage. Besides, it’s rude for the host to hang up the call before everyone else.
