If you read our latest articles about Zoom, you already know how to install it and how to use its tools. To conclude this "mini-course" on how to have online meetings, we just need to address the best practices in a Zoom meeting. Online meetings are not the same as in-person ones and, especially if they are work-related, there are certain behaviors you should adopt to ensure they run smoothly. There are more distractions and it's easy to lose focus. While it might be amusing for a dog or a child of one of the conference participants to enter the room, it can be inappropriate and disrupt a train of thought. Read carefully the best practices during a Zoom meeting:

1 - Preparation

Before starting the meeting, check if your technological equipment has battery, if your internet connection is stable, and if your peripherals are working (microphone and camera). You should do this beforehand so that your colleagues are not waiting for you to resolve these issues during the conference.

2 - Choose the ideal location

As mentioned earlier, having people coming in and out of the room where you are meeting can create distractions. Find a room in your house where you can settle during the meeting. It should be a calm, quiet place with good lighting.

3 - Microphone with no sound

This is one of the most important practices in video conferences. If it’s not your turn to speak, mute your microphone. No one likes to hear that background noise caused by the sound being on during meetings.

4 - Connecting the camera

"There is nothing worse than talking to black squares with names. Turn on the camera and let the speaker know that you are interested in listening to the meeting. This simple step will energize the videoconference and create more engagement with the 'audience'."

5 - Virtual Fund and Appearance

We already know from experience that it is harder to stay focused in an online meeting than in person. To minimize distractions, you should set a neutral virtual background so that the other participants are not distracted by the decoration of your home. Finally, don't forget to look presentable - even though it's a video conference, people can see you!

Zoom is here to stay - large companies are already adopting a semi-presential work regime or even 100% remote post-Covid19 pandemic. This paradigm shift requires people to master technologies so that work is as productive as possible. With the tips we provided in the last three articles, you have everything you need to master online meetings. Good work!