Bonus Session - Using Zoom Like a Pro

During the Lockdown, many millions of us have been using Zoom and Skype and Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams - plus other video conferencing tools...many for the first time! I've been using Zoom for a few years now and here are some tips for using it more effectively. If you’ve ever joined more than three people on a Skype or Zoom conference call, I hope you’ll appreciate these tips, and perhaps use them and share them. If you don’t pay for Zoom some of the features might not be available but most of them will be. But chances are that you are using Zoom in some kind of work environment, so it pays to be as professional as you can Remember The Skill Stack is not about being excellent at any one thing…it’s about having a variety of useful skills for the 21stCentury to give you the edge over your competition and to make you a better person.  This will give you more confidence, create less stress, make you happier and in turn a more valuable member of society…which will also eventually filter through into more cash in your bank. 1. Sit close to the screen. Your face should fill most of it.  Keep slightly to the right or left…not exactly in the middle and leave an inch or so showing over your head. 2. Your name. When you’re logging in, Use your name properly or your name and location so that when you talk and people can see, then know who you are and where you are. 3. Changing a setting. The default Zoom setting is to show the full screen face of the person talking.  Change this to show everyone. 4. Microphones and Headsets. Use an external microphone or headset. 5. Consider Krisp.ai if you ever have background noise issues such as dogs barking or kids upstairs or if you’re in a public place.  Krisp (with a K) is noise-cancelling software and it’s free. 6. Mute. When you’re not talking, hit mute. If you’re on mute, press and hold the space bar and you can be heard. 7. Eating. Don’t eat during the meeting.  It’s ok to drink tea or coffee but don’t slurp.  And remember that mute button. 8. Listening and engaging. When you’re on mute during an audio call, you can do whatever you want. But when you’re on mute on a video call, you need to act like you’re truly engaged. Nod your head. Focus on the screen. 9. Your Phone.  If you have to use your phone whilst on zoom, lift it up and use it in front of you below the camera. 10. Lighting. Don’t sit with the window behind you. A little effort on lighting goes a very long way. Test it out beforehand. 11. Talking. When you’re talking, spend some time looking at the camera, not the screen. You’ll appear more earnest and honest this way. 12. Time. When you’re talking, go slow. No one is going to steal your slot. 13. Walking. Don’t walk if you’re using a phone, it’s very off-putting for others as they get distracted by the movement…but also…you run the risk of walking into someone or something! 14. Background images or setting. If you have a green screen it’s a good idea to use it and to use a bespoke, non-Stock images of your own. 15. Leaving. If you have to go to the toilet or answer the door, let people know in the Chat box…send a message to everyone to say you need to drop out for a minute. 16. Hosting. If you’re hosting a zoom session, it’s a good idea to send out an agenda and a start and finish time. All success leave clues. The Skill Stack shows you what to look for and more importantly, like any great recipe, the correct order of the ingredients and skills is as important. You can learn more at: www.TheSkillStack.com For all the underlying links and transcript, go to: www.TheSkillStack.com/podcast You can get us in our Twitter account: @TheSkillStack email us on: info@TheSkillStack.com

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The speed of change in the world is getting faster. You need new Skills to keep up. Every new skill you acquire doubles your odds of success. Your value to the world grows through just 1% marginal gains, through compounding and the Entourage effect You just need to improve by 1% in specific skills to be in the top 20%. If you’re in the top 20% in a number of skills that go well together, you will end up with enough skills, stacked in such a way that you will be sought out by others and as a result you will have more confidence, be happier, healthier and earn more money.