Zoom Instructions
Guidelines for Zoom Meetings/Hearings
Although meetings and hearings may be conducted virtually, proper decorum should be maintained. Participants should be in a quiet setting and minimize any external distractions. Please wear proper attire, and preferably dress in a soft solid color. Be aware of what is behind you and choose a solid neutral wall, if possible. Light from a window behind you might blind the camera. Light above you in the center of a room might also cast shadows. Ideally, position a lamp, or sit facing a window, where light is directly on your face. Please be aware that your monitor casts light that can make you look blue.
Locate your device’s camera and make sure it’s uncovered at the designated time. When speaking, remember to look directly at the webcam, not at the screen. Position the camera at your eye level or slightly above eye level. Consider propping your device on books to elevate it, as necessary.
For the best audio quality, consider using headphones and a microphone. A pair of headphones with a built-in microphone work well. Avoid walking around or moving excessively while the meeting/hearing is in progress. If you are participating via a phone or tablet, please keep the device still.
To limit background noise, please mute your microphone when you are not speaking in order to avoid any potential background noise. Don’t forget to unmute your microphone prior to speaking, and to locate the mute button/icon and familiarize yourself with how to turn it on and off.
A strong internet connection is helpful, and wired connections are more reliable than wireless. If you are sharing your internet connection with others, please ask them to limit high-bandwidth activities, such as video streaming, while you are in the meeting or hearing.
Prior to your meeting/hearing, it is strongly recommended that participants become comfortable with the Zoom platform and how to use it.
Instructions for Accessing the Zoom Platform
- Open the email with the meeting invitation
- Click the meeting hyperlink provided under Join Zoom Meeting
- A web browser will prompt you to Launch Meeting or download the Zoom app
- Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and click Join
If you’ve never joined a Zoom meeting, here’s a one-minute video on how to attend.
Test your connection and setup by testing your connection with a ZOOM test meeting.
To find out if you have the latest version of Google Chrome, see how to update Google Chrome.