This guide will help your guests and you get the most out of your Zoom meeting experience.
Learn more about Zoom meetings
Prepare for the meeting
1. Set up your equipment
- Sign up for a Zoom account if you don't already have one
- Download the Zoom desktop app and encourage guests to do the same
- Decide whether you will use one monitor or two
- Get a headset and microphone if you have them, to reduce background noise
- Test your audio and video from within the Zoom app
- Review how to share your screen
- Close unnecessary tabs in your browser
2. Look your best
- Lighting should come from in front of you or from the side, in order to best light your face
- Keep your background clear of distractions
- Look at your webcam, not at the screen
- Use gestures and mannerisms that you would typically use in person
Participate productively
1. Make sure everyone can hear you
- Use a microphone when you speak.
- Make sure the microphone is on and close enough to pick up your voice, no matter what location you are in.
2. Help everyone focus
- Don't have side conversations.
- If you aren't talking, mute or turn off your microphone.
- Avoid noisy activities like typing while your microphone is on.
If you are the host
- Secure your Zoom meetings with our guide to the right
- Review your host controls and meeting settings ahead of time
- Share housekeeping details with attendees
- Remind them to mute their mics when others are presenting or speaking
- Let them know how they can get your attention during the meeting
- Will you be checking the chat window?
- Should they unmute themselves to speak up?
- Start the recording (or set up automatic recordings)
- Troubleshoot audio problems if they arise