I'm hearing stories of Zoom seminars with 40+ people where no one turns on their camera or engages in the research discussion.
During #socialdistancing, social interaction is important for research AND #mentalhealth. Thread about how to promote engagement on Zoom 🧵:
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During #socialdistancing, social interaction is important for research AND #mentalhealth. Thread about how to promote engagement on Zoom 🧵:
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Turn on your camera (if you can).
Giving a talk with no audience feedback is tough on the presenter. Imagine talking to a crowd of blank faces. It's awkward.
Audience - nod your head, smile, show that you're listening. Positive affirmation is especially encouraged. 2/
Giving a talk with no audience feedback is tough on the presenter. Imagine talking to a crowd of blank faces. It's awkward.
Audience - nod your head, smile, show that you're listening. Positive affirmation is especially encouraged. 2/
Encourage people to speak rather than use the chat window.
I've seen meetings where engagement ONLY happens in the chat window. While using chat is convenient, meetings are more engaging and personable when we interact by hearing a voice and/or conversing face-to-face. 3/
I've seen meetings where engagement ONLY happens in the chat window. While using chat is convenient, meetings are more engaging and personable when we interact by hearing a voice and/or conversing face-to-face. 3/
If you are limited to the chat window - be as responsive as you can.
Sometimes we may not have access to a mic/camera or prefer not to engage in those ways. In which case, use the chat window to its full potential. Typing a simple 'good job!' could make a huge difference. 4/
Sometimes we may not have access to a mic/camera or prefer not to engage in those ways. In which case, use the chat window to its full potential. Typing a simple 'good job!' could make a huge difference. 4/
Zoom also allows you to 'react' with an 'applause' or 'thumbs up' emoji at the corner of your camera!
(Expand the photos to see the emojis)
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(Expand the photos to see the emojis)
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Don't force people to engage via camera if they're not comfortable.
Some people prefer NOT to share info about their "out of the office" location, and that's OK. Please respect everyone's boundaries and privacy. 6/
Some people prefer NOT to share info about their "out of the office" location, and that's OK. Please respect everyone's boundaries and privacy. 6/
Take advantage of Zoom's 'raise hand' feature.
It's easy for people to talk over each other in large meetings. Hosts can moderate who's speaking by calling on people who have raised their virtual hand.
Audience - The 'raise hand' button is under the list of participants. 7/
It's easy for people to talk over each other in large meetings. Hosts can moderate who's speaking by calling on people who have raised their virtual hand.
Audience - The 'raise hand' button is under the list of participants. 7/
Mute your microphone if you're not speaking.
Feedback noise is a struggle in virtual space. Host - instruct participants to mute their microphones in the beginning of the meeting. Remind the audience to mute their mics throughout the meeting as needed. 8/
Feedback noise is a struggle in virtual space. Host - instruct participants to mute their microphones in the beginning of the meeting. Remind the audience to mute their mics throughout the meeting as needed. 8/
Establish the above ground rules in the beginning of the meeting.
Not everyone knows how to be engaged virtually or how our engagement impacts others. Share these tips in the beginning of the meeting! 9/
Not everyone knows how to be engaged virtually or how our engagement impacts others. Share these tips in the beginning of the meeting! 9/
Engagement in the virtual space will improve our productivity and mood as we continue #socialdistancing. This is the time to emphasize our support for each other. Use more emojis, tell people they're doing awesome, and don't underestimate the power of the head nod. 10/10
