Zoom Etiquette and Best Practices

Zoom Etiquette and Best Practices

• Complete a system and web browser check (including speaker and microphone test) at least 24-48 hours prior to the web conference. This allows time to make any necessary changes and obtain help from the IT department, if necessary.  

• Participate from a location with a strong and stable Internet connection, particularly when presenting. Any dropped connections from the web conferencing system can be very disruptive to a meeting. Close all other applications on the computer that are not necessary for the presentation. This will help the software operate more efficiently, and will help to conserve the individual network bandwidth.
• Participate from a quiet location. To avoid disruption, post a note on your door, notify staff and/or family that you're in a web conference. 

• Be on-time. It can take a while to get logged in and set up for a web conference, so plan to arrive a little early (~5 minutes prior to the conference start time).

• If using VoIP for audio, use a headset with a microphone. This will provide better sound quality and help reduce background noise.

• Mute your phone/microphone when not speaking. Every noise that is made, including paper shuffling, pencil tapping, typing, coughing, and chatting with others, will be heard by everyone else in the conference.

• Engage in the web conference. Follow the expectations and etiquette established by the presenter. For example, the presenter may ask to be interrupted with questions or comments on audio at any time, raise hands, or post in the Chat. 

• Identify yourself by name when verbally asking a question or making a comment.

• When participating in a Zoom meeting, try to look in the direction of your web cam; this will help you better engage others in the Zoom session. You may want to move the Zoom window in the direction of your web cam.

• Use a headset with a microphone to help you hear better and allow your participants to hear you clearly, as well.

• Dress appropriately, as if you were attending the meeting in person.

For troubleshooting help, review the following resources depending on what type of device you'll be using: Zoom Help Center