ZOOM ETIQUETTE-Avoiding Awkward Scenarios on ZOOM

   With the outbreak of COVID -19 pandemic, video conferencing platforms like ZOOM have become expedient for virtual learning, business meetings, professional training and presentations. There's need to be both tech savvy and civil by practicing these outlined tips:

• If the convener, first introduce yourself and exchange pleasantries with the  attendees
• If the convener/the host, mute attendees speakers to avoid noise and distractions. However,  if the host did not mute attendees speakers,  mute yours to avoid background noises
• Unmute attendees speakers when needed for feedback, contribution or questions.  A hand raise can be used for signals to make contributions or ask questions
• Attendees must ensure the use of a neat and meeting appropriate background- plain wall or bookshelf background is preferred. Virtual background is also acceptable
• Camera should be positioned at an eye level, and at an arm length or at a distance of 30 inches
• Keep the screen on landscape position 
• Participant must refrain from crude habits like pulling out facial hair, picking the nose, and scratching the armpit
• Proper dress code is of high import to your personality rating
• Multi tasking is a no no! When on ZOOM, focus on the convener or the meeting agenda
• Avoid dark room or poorly lit area when on camera. Light should be in front of the user screen
• Maintain eye contact by focusing on the camera
• It's awkward to keep camera/video off in a meeting
• Be on time at least five minutes before the start of a meeting
• Have a notepad and a pen handy 
• Ensure phone battery and wifi are fully charged to last for the period of a meeting
• If the convener, manage the meeting by: 

1. permitting only signed in users to join
2. Locking the meeting if you don't want distraction from new faces that keep on popping up 😂
3. Setting a meeting code/password
4. Removing any stranger or intruder
5. Disabling video to stop unwanted, disruptive or unacceptable gestures on video
6.  Turning off file transfer  to check influx of unwanted messages, photos, GIFs, etc
7. Disabling private messaging/chat

• When the meeting is over, thank  attendees and allow them  hang up before you do.

I hope to keep sharing more tips meanwhile thank you for checking on my blog. Cheers!