We use Zoom for video and audio Happy Hours. Be sure to download the latest version of Zoom to your computer, tablet, or phone. It is highly recommended that you use a computer or tablet for the best results. You will be able to see more people and enjoy the experience much better.

Zoom Tips

1. Be aware of background noise (TV, barking dogs, grandkids, etc.) and mute yourself if you have any. You can unmute yourself to talk! The host can mute anyone.
2. Learn how to change your screen setting to “grid view”.
3. You can hop off whenever you need to and you can temporarily turn your camera off if you want to leave and come back.
4. Learn the chat functionality. This is a great space for you to add links and photos of things that can be referenced in the conversation.
5. Learn how to share your screen. You may have a photo to share.
6. Find a good location where you can be comfortable and present a good view of yourself. Sitting in an easy chair with a laptop on your lap is not a good idea! Use comfortable chairs with a table. If two people, sit close together.
7. This probably goes without saying, thus the last tip, but keep your drink re-supply close by. You would hate to miss out on anything while running to the bar!

Anyone wishing to check out their setup can arrange a Zoom call with Jerry to check out website access, equipment, lighting, and audio. Jerry will reach out to be sure you are all set for a great experience.

Lights and cameras

• The biggest thing that people usually do wrong is just leaving on whatever overhead lighting they have, which casts really unnatural, unflattering shadows. Lighting should be at eye level, and it should come from the front or the side, not the back. Pretty much the worst thing you can do is have a large light source from behind you, usually as window, shining into the camera. Watch how you look on the computer screen and make adjustments as necessary.
• The second thing that will take your appearance out of mugshot territory is diffuse lighting. If it’s a cloudy day and you have a window, that’s perfect. But if the sun is really high up and it’s hitting you at an angle, and it’s direct and it’s sharp, that’s going to be really harsh lighting, lots of unwanted shadows. One way to easily get your lighting to diffuse more is just back up a little bit—back up from the window so it’s a little softer, or you back away from whatever lighting you have set up so it has more space to diffuse. If you’re using light at home that’s not meant for video and it’s really harsh, like a desk lamp, you can point it at the wall and the light will bounce off it and that will completely diffuse it for you. You have to pick between natural light, which is cooler toned, and synthetic light, which tends to be warmer. Different temperatures of light will turn each side of your face different colors.
• Your camera angle should follow the same rule as your lighting. You want it directly eye level, coming straight at you, whether you’re using a webcam, a laptop, or a camera on a phone.
• Watch what you have in the background. We can see the titles to those books or family photos. Throw in a plant if in doubt!