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Get  to  know   Zoom

Zoom is easy and intuitive  to use. 

What you need

A device that you can connect to the Internet such as a smart-phone, iPad (or similar), laptop or desktop. It needs a webcam, microphone and a means for you to listen to it in comfort. If you already use Skype or similar services, you probably have all that you need.

Your location

It's best not  to sit with your back to a window or a bright light source as you will appear in silhouette and your face will be in shadow. If it's unavoidable, try placing a small table lamp alongside your screen to cast some light on you.

Join Zoom with a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone
Use a Tablet, laptop or deskto[
Use a phone, tablet or computer
See who else is online

At the Zoom meeting:

"Allow Host to unmute your microphone"

As you enter the Zoom meeting your will normally be asked to allow the host to unmute your microphone. If you agree, tick this option. This allows the host to open all the microphones simultaneously so that the speaker can hear your applause. (You can re-mute your microphone at any time.)

Waiting Room

You will enter a 'waiting room' and will see a message advising that the host will admit you to the meeting. This is a security feature that enables the host to turn away any unwelcome guests. There may be a short delay if the host is chairing the meetin​g or is involved in any 'house-keeping' duties.

Your video

You can turn off your own video camera so that others cannot see you. On desk and laptops this option is near the bottom left corner of your screen; on other devices it is under the 'More' menu usually at the top right corner of your screen.

Your microphone

You can mute your microphone so that you cannot be heard. This is useful if your phone rings or there is a persistent background noise. The meeting host can also mute your microphone and regularly does 'mute all mic's' when there is a guest speaker or during a performance.

Quick tip: If you wish to make a quick comment while your microphone is muted, press and hold the spacebar. This will open your microphone until you release it.

Three ways to login to a Zoom Meeting . . .

1. Click the button

At the foot of each entry on the Forthcoming Talks page is a button that links to the login for that talk. Note that each talk has a unique login as part of the security system. Last week's login will not take you to next week's talk!

    OR . . .

2. Click the URL

Subscribers to the Tuesday Talk email list receive a copy of the unique URL for each talk. Like the button option (above) it will open your browser and take you to the meeting room for the talk.

     OR . . .

3. Go to www.Zoom.us/join

When prompted by Zoom, enter the Meeting ID and the PassCode. These are circulated to subscribers on the email list a few days before each talk.

The advance information about each forthcoming talk along with the login details are also posted on several local FaceBook pages a few days before each talk.

See who is speaking

Etiquette

Zoom picks up the voice of the last person to speak. Please wait until others finish before you speak. If it helps, raise a hand and wait for the host or moderator to invite you to speak.

Rename your image

There is a drop-down menu at the top right corner of your image in the Gallery. Use it to change your name as it appears on screen.

Chat

The CHAT button enables you to pass messages during the meeting, either to everyone, or privately to individuals, rather like Messenger or Skype. Tuesday Talks use the Chat messages to to pass questions & comments to the speaker during Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Getting the best view

There is an option to switch between Gallery View or Speaker View (as above). On most screens it is located near the top right corner.

Gallery View  shows all the people at your meeting. if there are more than 25 guests, you may need to scroll sideways or down to see them all. Whoever is speaking will have a yellow frame round their picture.

Speaker View creates a larger picture of whoever is speaking in the centre of your screen (see above). This is the better option if there is a performance or a presenter is giving a talk.

Phones and tablets are best turned sideways (landscape) as all the slide shows are in 'tv screen' format.

Quick Guide to Zoom Controls

Scroll across your screen to make these appear

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