Ever since the arrival of the Covid pandemic in 2020, there is a particular platform that has suddenly appeared in corporate communications. Yes, you got right.  Zoom.

What is Zoom? It is a platform that easily allows you to conduct a virtual meeting or presentation to a large group of people especially with “screenshare” where you can effortlessly show then whatever that is on your computer screen. It is like having a visualiser and PowerPoint presentation transmitted to different people connected by internet.

As a HR manager, you have to be able to be efficient on using Zoom.
Here are some of my quick tips to help you.

Testing
It is a good practise to test out the sound and video clarity of your Zoom presentation before the first participant enters your Zoom room.

Agenda
The good news is that you still need to craft out an agenda so that participants can have an idea about what is being covered. It is essential that you put the duration of each section of the agenda so that the meeting will not run over the allocated time.

Presentation Copy
It is good that each participant be given a copy of the meeting’s proceedings. The reason is that they may be able to go through the materials beforehand and make notes.

Your Profile Background
Do not use your profile background that may not be connected to the goals and values of your company. Afterall, your zoom presentation is still official business and must be conducted in the spirit of professionalism.

Mute
Remember to set all your participants to mute and allow them to unmute if they want to make a response. This will go a long way in preventing private dialogue to be accidentally broadcasted.

Sudden movements
As you do your presentation, remember not to make sudden movements as your image may appear as a blur and this may be a source of distraction.

Attendance-taking
Some presenters may insist that all participants have to turn on their cams to ascertain that they are present at all times. This rule may not go down well with them as some of them may be watching your zoom presentation from their home. They may be want a certain degree of privacy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Group Chat
Allow any participant to make comments, feedback or queries off zoom’s group chat area. Take some time to review that section so that you can address any of the participants’ response. This section can be used as a reference for minutes-taking

Direct message
Of course, you can allow the participants to ask direct and private clarification on zoom. But you can still ask them for permission to summarise your response for the benefit of the rest of the participants.

License
It might be more efficient and professional to persuade your organisation to get the zoom corporate group license in order to be able to have uninterrupted zoom conference. It also allows the free flow of two-way communication without the fear that the meeting will be timed out. It will also create a more professional corporate image.

Time-out
It is not easy for any participant to stay fully alert and focused on a zoom presentation. Their eyes may be strained, and they may be distracted. Thus it is good to use other applications like  Kahoot to help break the monotony and even discover how much have they absorbed. This can also be used as an icebreaker too.

Breakout Rooms
Zoom has a function where the participants can go into virtual breakout rooms to have departmental meetings in response of your presentation. This can be useful as the participants can instantly work on the agenda.