Zoom Etiquette: Are you a Zoom Zombie?

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Okay, here we go. I’ve had, as you might imagine, dozens of complaints on how people act on Zoom calls. And certainly not on purpose, we all know that. However, the need has come to go over the top 10 ZOOM ZOMBIES, as I’m calling them. And not in any special order, they all seem to be irritants.

Zoom Zombie #1 – Backgrounds

Consider using a real background from your location. Fake is fake. No one really believes you are on the beach and doing a Zoom meeting. And while it’s fun, it can be very distracting. Changing the background several times during a meeting is unnecessary. Your office, your family room, dining room, even the kitchen is fine. We all know we’re at home. Messy office? It’s okay. Honest. Having a San Francisco bridge behind you isn’t that important and certainly Las Vegas in the background can be “loser-ish” (pun intended).

Zoom Zombie #2 – Lighting  

Critical. Keep good lighting in front of you, not behind you. Test it out first. Get a Zoom partner, even someone in your own home, to test the lighting. It’s like taking your picture outside. If the sun is behind you, normally your face is in the dark. Get the sun in front of you and you look great. Same issue on Zoom.

Zoom Zombie #3 – Dogs, birds and kids

Dogs, birds, kids, and other members yelling in the background is never fun – on any phone call, let alone Zoom. Be prepared. In most cases, you know you have a Zoom call coming up. Get the pets in another area of the house. If you can, have someone entertain the others while you’re on a Zoom meeting. Alone? Then try and put the Zoom meeting at a time kids are napping, already in bed or before they get up. Schedule it. Most of the barking, chirping, crying and extraneous noises are not appreciated.

Zoom Zombie #4 – It’s not a dinner date

Don’t eat during a business meeting. It’s frightening that I even need to say this. Not even a snack. Yes, okay, for some water. But munching on a sandwich or opening a bag of popcorn or chips magnifies the sound 10-fold. A real OMG. Who is doing that? It’s a business meeting. Even the movement of a water bottle on a desk can make a big sound. That’s where you need to learn to use your mute.

Zoom Zombie #5 – Watch your words

Be a little bit creative. I have noticed many people use the same word in starting each sentence. “SO” is the big one – so this and so that. We don’t need the word “so” in front of every sentence. And while you’re at it, be mindful of how often you’re saying um. Most folks use it as a crutch.

Zoom Zombie #6 = Be sure your name is on the screen

Your name will appear on your picture. Notice if you put the curser over the name, you will be able to change what it says. Some folks put their email there or a company name. You can customize that part. There are two ways. One, put the curser right over your name. And two, the three little dots in the upper right on the screen has a “change name” option. Again, only if you want to.

Zoom Zombie #7 – Rehearse and rehearse again

Learn, learn, learn and practice, practice, practice ahead of time. Practice with a friend or a home companion – or even by yourself. Check out the screen options. This way when you’re on a Zoom meeting, you won’t be the one yelling out “where is this or how do I do this?” Don’t let a business Zoom meeting be your very first. You can have rehearsals. Be familiar with the screen… and its options. No play goes on without rehearsals.

Zoom Zombie #8 – Keep yourself attractive

You’re on the air. It’s TV. Sit up straight. Don’t slump. No one looks good when they’re slumping. Very unflattering. Keep your hands away from your face. Don’t lean into your palm with your palm on your face. Very unflattering. And watch your nervous habits. We all have them. Some folks play with their hair constantly. Some folks bite their nails. Some do other odd things. Be aware.

Zoom Zombie #9 – Happy hours

On a personal note: Having a “happy hour” with friends? You can probably forget most of these guidelines. Although, I’m betting they’ll appreciate your sticking with them and them with you.

Zoom Zombie #10 – Smile

Smile. You think I’d forget? You knew that was coming, didn’t you? Think it doesn’t matter? Show me a picture of yourself that you don’t like and I’ll show you it’s a picture where you’re not smiling. At least keep a hint of a grin on your face. No one looks good frowning. And you can use the Telephone Doctor mindset. “A phony smile is better than a real frown.” Even when you’re discussing something difficult or sad. I’m not saying to laugh out loud – though that’s not terrible – but I am saying having a slight smile on your face will help the tone of your voice and, thereby, help you look better.


Article Written By Nancy Friedman

Nancy Friedman, founder and chairman of Vi, is a popular speaker in the franchise community and corporate world. Her Zoom programs have been very successful. On-site or virtual, call Nancy Friedman at 314-276-1012 (CST) for your next meeting, retreat or team group get together. Additional information available at nancy@telephonedoctor.com and www.nancyfriedman.com.

 

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