Notes for Video Conferences

Page Created: 06/07/20. Last Updated: 06/07/20.



Tips for Zoom and for Google Hangouts


If you have never participated in a video conference, here are some tips which may be of help.



TIPS FOR ZOOM


For new folks, basically, here’s how it works:


1. I have set up a Zoom meeting (see invitation links below).


2. Everyone will click the link to sign into the meeting; when prompted, click to start the Zoom session. Zoom has added security measures where you will wait to be admitted. We’ll allow a few minutes to get everyone in.


3. You can turn on your video camera to share yourself to the meeting by moving your cursor to the bottom of the Zoom window; click on the icon of the camera (second from left).


4. Everyone should mute themselves when we get started; author gives any background if useful.


5. Reader will share their screen with the story on it and scroll along as they read it out loud during the session so you can follow along online. You can also print out the story in case you prefer to see it that way.


6. We’ll go around the group and unmute one at a time for feedback; author is requested to listen without taking part at first. Please try to offer a piece of positive feedback as well as one constructive criticism. After everyone has had a chance to offer feedback, we can open up to a more general discussion.


7. Once we’ve completed discussion, author is allowed to ask any follow-up or specific questions.

If you haven’t used Zoom before, click on the link about 5 minutes ahead so the software can set itself up.

A) If you want, you can download the software ahead of time by going to https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting and selecting the first download, Zoom Client for Meetings.

B) There’s also an option for mobile devices if you scroll down.

C) If you are new to all this, you can also go to https://zoom.us/resources and watch some of the one-minute videos there:

  • · Join a meeting

  • · Joining and configuring audio/video

  • · Meeting controls

I recommend you have a headphone and mic if possible (we discovered that the moderator SHOULD have one to avoid feedback echoes). But if you don’t have one you can just use the mic and video on your computer.




TIPS FOR GOOGLE HANGOUTS


Google Hangouts Pointers:


Note: Consider having two devices at hand. If you are having problems interfacing by phone, you can switch to your laptop, etc. This has worked for a couple of people in the group.


1..........Use Chrome as the Browser (though Safari works, too).


2..........Use a gmail account if possible. Some features may not work for other systems.


3..........There is a limit of 10 people, including the moderator, for a session.


4..........Upcoming sessions will be posted on the Writers' of the Weird FaceBook Group, as well as the Websites of the Science Fiction Association of Bergen County and the Writers of the Weird.


5..........Attendees should indicate that they plan to attend via FaceBook or email.


6..........Writers attending the session will receive an email with a link to the Hangout before the start of the session.


7..........Each session will have a Moderator who will create the session, maintain order during the discussion, and troubleshoot any technical problems a member discovers.


8..........Notes for Organizers


A..........The simplest way is to use the hangout link: https://hangouts.google.com/call/tfutp5grqjaerlg6yqjawbuv7au


Click on the link and you go to a hangout page. Click on "start a hangout” and you’ll see another button that says, “invite people”. put the email addys in the block and watch the magic happen.


B..........Recording a YouTube Event


Click on the Word Document below (WOTW-YouTube(1).doc) for instructions on creating a Video Recording of the Session. Our thanks to Hank Quense for creating this document.