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Zoom/Web Conference Tips

Here are some tips shared by Seth Godin on his Blog.

  1. Sit close to the screen. Your face should fill most of it.
  2. Use an external microphone or headset. Regardless of how you’re amplified, remember that the microphone is only a foot away, which means you don’t have to strain or raise your voice. Also, consider Krisp if you have background noise issues.
  3. When you’re not talking, hit mute. If you’re on mute, press and hold the space bar and you can be heard.
  4. Don’t eat during the meeting.
  5. When you’re on mute during an audio call, you can do whatever you want. But when you’re on mute on a video call, you need to act like you’re truly engaged. Nod your head. Focus on the screen. Don’t get up and feed your dog.
  6. Don’t sit with the window behind you. A little effort on lighting goes a very long way.
  7. When you’re talking, spend some time looking at the camera, not the screen. You’ll appear more earnest and honest this way.
  8. When you’re talking, go slow. No one is going to steal your slot.
  9. Don’t walk if you’re using a phone. And if you’re using a laptop, don’t put it on your lap.
  10. Please (!) do not use an animated background. Do not use a funny one either. If we’re noticing your background, you’re doing it wrong.

“Sound like a Rock Star with the following gear!”

Web Conference Gear

Zoom/Web Conference Gear Suggestions

NOTE:  The following links are part of an Amazon Associate Paid Link Program.  It simply means you help the site generate a little revenue by buying from the link.

Microphones

To have a warm, clean sound, a good microphone is essential. Depending on your budget, several model will do the trick.

The Yeti is a classic, but it is very sensitive. Best used with a microphone arm as it will pick up every little sound from typing, mouse movement to computer fan noise.  Best paired with a Shock Mount, Swivel Arm and Pop Filter.

NOTE:  Because of shortages for Web Conferencing Gear, some items might have an inflated price.

If you choose a Yeti, a shock Mount will greatly help.

The Mounting Arm will also allow you to have perfect positioning, while avoiding all the extra sounds.

A Pop Filter will help with pops that come from the letter B and P.  This clamps onto your arm or different models will clamp to your desk.

Mid-Range Microphone:  The Blue Snowball

This is a great all around microphone not needing any of the above extra gear.

Versatile (Portable + Easy to Use)

The Shure MV5 is versatile as you can plug it into an iPhone for doing interviews or plug it into your computer to use as a desktop microphone.

Great Lighting is Essential

With the tripod, you can place the light above your monitor to remove all shadows.  Several shades of white can give you just the right tones.

Green Screen

While an animated background is distracting, you might want to have a professional background that fits your branding. Without a proper Green Screen, there is some distracting ghosting effects when you move. This allows you to look natural in front of whatever background you choose.


Web Cam

Being seen is as important as being heard.  Depending on your budget, these work well.

High End

Mid-Range

Budget