For the actual event we will host the call on our own Zoom account. If needed we will turn over screen-share to you for your presentation.

Notes for New Presenters

Prior to the event, we recommend you set up a free Zoom account so you can practice working with the interface. Do a mock presentation for practice. If you plan to share your screen and share video or slides, this will allow you to practice for a smooth presentation. Following are some general tips. Zoom also has a great getting started guide.

Even if you are not new to Zoom presentations, it is required that you set up walk-through with our Zoom coordinator on the Monday or Tuesday before your speaking date.

Contact: [email protected]

LOOKING YOUR BEST

• Make sure you are in a well-lit area.
• If needed use a stand, or stack of books to bring the camera to eye-level; thus you can ‘look’ directly at your audience during your presentation.
• Do use a desktop or laptop computer that is stationary, rather than a hand-held device.
• Select ‘Settings’ in the Zoom app and consider using a virtual background, or ‘Touch up my Appearance’ under ‘Video.’

SOUNDING YOUR BEST

As long as you have a decent internet connection, you will get the best quality audio experience by selecting ‘use my computer’ for audio. Here are a few tips:

• First, make sure you are in a quiet area.
• Use a pair of ear buds that work with your computer along with your computer microphone.
• If you can’t be in a quiet area, consider a headset with microphone.
• Use the dial-in number only for times when you don’t have easy access to a computer or a very poor internet connection.

TALKING DIRECTLY TO YOUR AUDIENCE

Look directly at your camera while speaking. This way your audience will feel more of a connection with you. One trick is to position the ‘active speaker’ window on your screen directly under the camera. This will make it more natural for your gaze to be directly into the camera.

PRESENT LIKE A PRO

There is a lot that goes into a presentation and it can be overwhelming when you first start. You will need to present your material, manage your participants, and monitor chat for questions and comments from your participants.

When you use full screen options for presenting or sharing videos this can be even more of a challenge. This is why we recommend a practice session if you are new to doing virtual presentation. After one or two run-throughs of your presentation using the on-screen tools you will find a way that works best for you. Following are a few of the tools you will want to understand and be able to comfortably manage during your presentation.

• Display remote participants right below the laptop camera, allowing for ‘eye contact’ with your participants.
• When you set up ‘sharing’ select the application window for the content you want to share instead of sharing your entire desktop.
• You can also open multiple applications (browser, Word, etc) and choose ‘New Share’ to switch between the content (applications) without your screen layout changing.
• During your presentation mute all your remote participants so you are not disturbed by their barking dogs or cell phones ringing.
• Ask them to use chat for questions so you can monitor feedback throughout the session.
• Your Zoom controls remain visible at all times on the bottom of your screen.

NEED HELP?

Sign up for a weekly live training from Zoom. And don’t stress. We are a fun group. Plus, with a little practice, you will be presenting like a pro in no time.