How to Bust Zoom Gloom
My cheat sheet to help you feel alive online
Zoom calls can SUCK the life out of you.
Talking into the screen abyss can feel flat and exhausting if we don’t learn a few key skills to stay engaged.
I run my vocal coaching business online, and I’m in weekly private and group virtual meetings. I have learned the hard way how much Zoom can be a meeting buzzkill.
In my first online workshop several years ago, I didn’t know how to mute incoming guests, which led to a cacophony of feedback, with one person chewing their granola on blast during our meeting.
Over the years, I have gathered tips to keep video calls lively and engaging.
Virtual platforms are here to stay, so let’s make the most of this technology to run our businesses, gather as a community, and deliver presentations.
Here are my tried-and-true tips to prepare you to feel alive online:
(This is an updated and more extensive list from my post in May 2024)
Your Online Public Speaker Checklist
Before Your Meeting:
Test your equipment: Before your presentation, log on early enough to test your video and microphone settings. Ensure you have a strong internet connection (Use fast.com to check your speed HERE) or connect via an Ethernet cable.
Position your camera at eye level: You want your monitor screen to appear at eye level to your audience, not tilted up or down. To achieve this, use a laptop stand, an external camera on a tripod, or prop up your recorder on a stack of books to set yourself at eye level.
Center yourself in your frame: You want to center yourself and take up most of your screen, about 3/4, with just a little space between the crown of your head and the top of the monitor view.
Remain an arm’s length away from your monitor: Did you know that we can get into people’s personal space even when we speak online? Maintain a comfortable distance of at least an arm's length away from your monitor, similar to the distance you would use when talking in person to work colleagues. A study from Science of People reveals that close talkers, both online and in-person, tend to make their audience feel more uncomfortable and guarded.
Have good lighting: You can use natural lighting, a ring light, or a shaded light to ensure you are well lit. Be sure not to be backlit (where the light is directly behind you).
Test your microphone: Adjust the volume levels of your built-in audio or external microphone for optimal sound quality.
Choose a pleasing background: Select an attractive background. I don’t think it has to be neutral, I enjoy color and design, but keep the focus on you. You can place a few eye-appealing objects, such as plants or books, to share a little something visual about yourself with your audience. If you use a virtual background, make sure it contrasts with the shirt you wear so you don't appear to be a floating head.
Check your outfit & hair: Feel good and comfortable about being on camera. You can use the “Touch up my appearance” feature on Zoom for a softer video appearance HERE. I have a pair of red, cat-eye glasses for my online meetings to add a pop of color. Even with a plain T-shirt, I feel confident with my eyewear.
Test slides or presentation images: Test run your slides and visuals so your presentation runs smoothly. If slides trip you up, try to use fewer.
Place your speech or speech bullet points at eye level so that when you read, you can engage your audience with strong & active eye contact.
Check your posture: Whether sitting or standing, ensure that you are upright with your head balanced, your spine elongated, and your chest open and relaxed.
Do a quick speech warm-up routine: Be sure to do a few vocal and breath warm-ups before you present to help you speak clearly, such as mouth trills, tongue twisters, and vocal sirens.
Set a positive intention: Have a simple goal or a clear, positive intention for your speech to ensure you feel confident about the purpose of your presentation.
Have a glass of water within reach to stay hydrated. I prefer using a sports water bottle for its easy access and to help me meet my daily hydration goals.
Center yourself with a deep, calming breath before turning on your camera and beginning your talk. Take a brief moment to check in with yourself so you feel grounded and clear-headed before you start your meeting.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash Once the Meeting Begins:
Set it and forget it: After running through your tech checklist, it’s time to switch roles to be your fabulous presenter self. You are now moving “in front” of the camera, where your main job is to share your ideas and connect with your listeners. Once you have completed your checklist, take a moment to raise your presenter energy and turn off your tech brain. Your primary task now is to connect with your audience fully.
Start with a brief icebreaker: People hate wasting time at the beginning of a meeting. Have your team share something quick and easy, such as the best thing from their week or an unknown superpower, but limit it to the first 3-5 minutes. If you're hosting a large audience, start by sharing a short story. A brief icebreaker gives people a chance to log in and keeps the energy up for on-time arrivals. The key is to keep icebreakers short and positive.
Take a movement break every 30 minutes: Studies show that even a brief 2-3 minute movement break midway through a meeting can improve focus and productivity. If it’s appropriate, lead a few stretches or sing “Head, shoulders, knees and toes”. TikTok dance challenge, anyone?
Use the AI notetaker feature: Some women I work with have shared that they are often assigned to be the meeting notetaker, and they are usually the only women in that role. No more! Let AI handle the notes. I use a free service called Fathom on Zoom that transcribes the meeting, shares a summary, and records the sessions, and I love it! Most online platforms have AI assistants.
Stay calm and speak on! If a tech issue occurs during your presentation, stay calm and take a moment to enter “tech mode” to resolve the problem. Once you fix it, take a moment to switch back into “presenter mode”. If you are hosting a large Zoom call, consider appointing someone else to be your tech support, if possible. Remember that “live” presentations don’t have to be perfect. If you remain relatable, even through a glitch, you'll appear that much more human and possibly connect even more with your audience.
Try to finish 2 minutes early: Everyone will thank you for ending on time, or even a couple of minutes early. Try not to go overtime, as it can disrupt everyone’s schedules and create resentment. Use a virtual countdown timer to show you when you have 5 minutes left. Leave them wanting more!
Stay calm and speak on,
Jessica
P.S. Looking for more tips to improve how you feel during online presentations?
You can join my public speaking course, IMPACT: The Essential Public Speaking Course for Your Online and In-Person Presentations. This comprehensive training includes a downloadable bundle, a 6-step speech guide, and personalized vocal coaching feedback from me on your voice, which you can complete within 1-2 weeks. Join my course HERE.
This checklist works. I use it every time I lead a big online meeting. Thanks!