קוורנה וזום: טיפים להשתתפות בשיחת וידאו

A few years ago I gave training to senior executives of the communications giant Cisco ahead of a big conference. We were sitting in a typical, cool high-tech meeting room, but off to the side was a strange system with a huge screen and several rotating cameras.

I asked what this system does, and VP of Sales Aren said it is the most advanced video conference system in the world. He turned it on and two cameras rose and pointed themselves, one on me and one on him, and we both appeared on the screen. As we walked in the room the cameras followed us, and when one of us spoke it filled the screen. It seemed like science fiction to me.
Today my daughter has this technology in first grade, and video calls are a required skill not only for VPs in high tech but also for parents, and teachers, and children, and workers in every possible profession.

So here are some tools that can help you perform better in video calls.

Final preparation

Let's start from the end: even if you took care of great lighting, an excellent camera, correct clothing and optimal computer settings - if you arrive late, get stuck without a battery or in the middle of the conversation you are interrupted by a small child, a pet or a messenger from the supermarket, your preparation is not worth much.

That's why it's important to start organizing for a conference call long before it starts. Here's a 'countdown page' to help you get ready:

An hour before: Put the cell phone to charge
30 minutes before: turn on the air conditioner, and check that you have a zoom link. You should also check with the organizer that the video call will take place on time.
15 minutes before: Check with the housemates that they know not to disturb you
10 minutes before: get dressed (at least from the waist up), comb your hair and also shave and apply makeup.
5 minutes before: turn on the computer, check the network connection
3 minutes before: turn on the camera and record yourself to check the lighting and sound
1 minute before: connect to Zoom and you will see that you are uploading

From this moment you are in the air. Successfully.

Preliminary preparation: lighting

There is nothing that affects your performance more than a lighting minister. Even a fast computer with an excellent camera won't hurt you