19 Zoom Tips and Tricks for Better Video Meetings

In today’s digital age, Zoom has become an integral tool for connecting online, whether for virtual courses, business conferences, or social gatherings. However, mastering its use can be challenging due to issues like poor audio, video quality, and potential distractions. By adopting the right Zoom techniques, you can significantly improve communication. Ensuring clear audio, a stable internet connection, and optimal lighting can help meetings run smoothly. Additionally, using shortcuts and Zoom tools can save you time.

Implementing security settings protects your meetings from unwelcome interruptions, resulting in a more engaging and professional experience. This guide provides 19 essential Zoom tips and methods to enhance your meetings. Whether for personal use, education, or business, learning these tips will empower you to host or attend meetings with confidence. Let’s explore how to use Zoom efficiently.

19 Zoom Tips for Better Video Meetings

Here are 19 essential Zoom tips and tricks that will improve your video meetings and enhance communication:

Test Your Equipment Before the Meeting

Always check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before joining a Zoom call to avoid technical issues during the meeting. Utilize Zoom’s internal audio and video test capabilities by navigating to “Settings” and selecting “Audio” and “Video.”

Use a Stable Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection prevents audio disruptions and video lag. If possible, use a wired connection or position your device close to the router when using Wi-Fi. Close unnecessary applications to maximize bandwidth.

Adjust Lighting for Better Video Quality

Good lighting ensures a clear video presence. Position yourself facing a light source like a window and avoid having a strong light behind you. Consider using a ring light or desk lamp for additional illumination.

Use a Virtual Background or Blur Feature

Zoom allows you to blur your background or use a virtual one, keeping the focus on you. Access this feature by going to “Settings” and then “Background & Effects” to select your preferred background or blur option.

Mute Yourself When Not Speaking

Muting your microphone when not speaking helps maintain the flow of the meeting and reduces background noise. Use the Spacebar to quickly mute or unmute yourself, allowing for efficient sound control during discussions.

Enable Noise Suppression

Activate Zoom’s noise suppression feature to minimize background noise during calls. In “Settings,” select “Audio” and then “Suppress Background Noise.” Opt for “High” to ensure the best audio quality for clearer and more professional interactions.

Use Speaker or Gallery View

Zoom offers “Speaker View” for focusing on the active speaker and “Gallery View” for seeing all participants. Choose the view that best suits your meeting format—for presentations, use Speaker View, and for group discussions, opt for Gallery View.

Use Zoom Shortcuts to Save Time

Zoom provides keyboard shortcuts for quick actions. Here are a few useful ones:

• Alt + A (Windows) / Command + Shift + A (Mac) – Mute/unmute microphone
• Alt + V (Windows) / Command + Shift + V (Mac) – Turn video on/off
• Alt + Y (Windows) / Option + Y (Mac) – Raise/lower hand

Schedule Meetings in Advance

Plan meetings ahead of time to give participants ample preparation. Select the meeting date, click “Schedule” in Zoom, and send out invitations. Sync your calendar to set reminders, ensuring everyone is informed and punctual.

Record Meetings for Future Reference

Recording meetings allows for later review and reference. Click the “Record” button in Zoom to capture the session, and choose to save it on your computer or the cloud. Always inform participants before recording to maintain transparency and obtain consent.

Use Waiting Rooms for Security

The “Waiting Room” feature helps prevent uninvited guests from entering your meeting. Hosts can admit participants individually. Enable it in “Settings” under “Security.”

Lock Your Meeting After It Starts

Once all participants have joined, lock your Zoom meeting to prevent unauthorized access. In “Security,” select “Lock Meeting” to ensure only invited attendees can join, maintaining the meeting’s confidentiality.

Share Your Screen for Presentations

Screen sharing is useful for displaying slides, documents, or videos. Click the “Share Screen” button and select the content to share. Close any personal tabs before sharing.

Use Annotations to Highlight Points

Zoom’s annotation feature allows you to highlight or draw on shared screens. Click “Annotate” while screen sharing to use this feature, which helps clarify explanations.

Breakout Rooms for Group Discussions

Breakout Rooms let hosts divide participants into smaller groups, ideal for discussions, collaborative projects, and brainstorming sessions. Enable this feature in Zoom settings.

Use Polls for Audience Engagement

Engage your audience with Zoom’s polling feature by asking questions and collecting quick feedback. Set up questions under “Meetings” and “Polling” before the session. This feature encourages interaction and fosters an interactive seminar environment.

Enable Live Transcriptions

Live transcriptions provide real-time captions, making meetings accessible to everyone, including those with hearing impairments. In “Settings,” navigate to “Accessibility” and enable “Live Transcript.”

Hide Non-Video Participants

To maintain a clean and focused screen, hide participants who have their video turned off. Click “More” on their video tile and select “Hide Non-Video Participants.”

End Meetings Properly

Conclude meetings professionally by thanking participants, summarizing key points, and outlining next steps. Click “End Meeting for All” to ensure the session closes completely.

Conclusion:

Mastering Zoom with these 19 tips will make your virtual meetings more professional and effective. Simple adjustments such as equipment testing, lighting optimization, and utilizing Zoom tools like breakout rooms and live transcriptions greatly enhance communication. Security features like waiting rooms and meeting locks ensure safe and seamless meetings. Whether you’re hosting or participating, these strategies will enhance your Zoom experience, making it more effective, clear, and engaging for business, education, or social purposes. Embrace these tools and lead confidently in every Zoom meeting.