student 3.jpg Best Practices for Joining an Online Event as a Presenter

The online space

Zoom is the online video conferencing platform that will be used for this event. To join the Zoom session, you will click on the link that is sent to you or available in the conference schedule.

If you’ve never joined a Zoom session before and would like to test your connection, you can do so here: Join a Test Meeting This launches a test session on your device without another person.
The quality of your Zoom connection will be based in part on your internet speed, if you are not sure about your internet speed you can test that here: Internet Speedtest. A good speed is anything above: 1.5 Mbps Up/Down.
A good way to preserve your internet speed is to reduce the amount of internet use in your house during the event.
When you join the Zoom session, make sure your microphone is muted. Unmute it when you speak by either clicking the “unmute” button or holding your spacebar while you are speaking. Release the spacebar when you are done speaking, or click “mute” again.

Your physical space

If possible, find a quiet, well lit and comfortable space to engage the event. Here are some helpful tips for setting up this space:

Make sure you are able to sit comfortably. This event is two hours long so having a comfortable seat will be really helpful.
Set up your camera at eye level. If you don’t have a tripod or an external camera this can often be accomplished by propping up your laptop on something like a stack of books.
Add a lamp to your space that can be behind your camera. You may not want to point it directly at you to avoid shine, but having a light source behind the camera will help participants see you clearly.
Try not to sit in front of a bright lamp or window. This will create a silhouette effect that makes it difficult for others to see you.
Use a USB headset or headphones that have a microphone attached. This will dramatically help you hear others, help others hear you, and reduces background noise.

Minimize distractions

We are especially aware that during this time, removing distractions completely can be difficult. Here are some tips for minimizing distractions as much as possible:

Close, minimize or otherwise turn off other web applications on your computer- especially those that have notifications (like email, Facebook, or chats).
Mute your phone’s notifications including vibrations.
Pay attention to background noise—turn of music or TVs, close windows near roadways, etc..
Enlist the people that live with you to help you by giving you the time and space to participate in the event. If possible, set up your computer in a space that has a closable door.