If there's something distracting happening in the background or you have to step away briefly, turn off the camera.

Nolen cited having self-awareness for determining your camera status. When you are actively participating in a meeting, it's recommended to keep your camera on. In large meetings, it's often better for the connection speed if everyone keeps their camera off unless they are speaking or presenting. But is it always necessary to have your camera on? A variety of factors dictate whether it's best to have your camera on or off. Lights, camera … action?Īn enriching part of Zoom is being able to see our co-workers and friends smile and react. And at times, they might drown out whoever's talking, which makes it hard for anyone in the meeting to understand what's going on,' Nolen said. 'While those audio distractions might be something you're used to on your end, others in the meeting may find them distracting. Try to take meetings in a quiet place or somewhere where distractions are limited. Most people have developed the habit of keeping themselves on mute unless they are talking, but there are still instances when background noise can affect the meeting. None of us wants to be embarrassed or bring unwanted attention. We've seen comical examples shared on social media or have witnessed some ourselves. This might be the most important Zoom etiquette tip: Awareness of your microphone being on or off is crucial. We talked with Nolen about Zoom etiquette and common issues with our most frequently used videoconferencing tool. 'Without Zoom, the transition to working and learning remotely would not have gone as well as it has.' 'Zoom has been essential to continuing the day-to-day operations of IU during the current situation,' said Beth Nolen, senior IT education specialist with UITS Digital Education Programs and Initiatives. The communications tool has been an integral part of keeping the university functioning, both educationally and professionally, through the pandemic.

But do we know the best practices and protocols for how to handle Zoom meetings, months into conducting most of our professional and personal gatherings virtually? Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has granted most of us a minor - and for some, a major - in Zoom meetings. Our days have been filled participating in them.

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