Zoom is the ultimate online communication tool

As we spoke about in a previous article, These popular online productivity tools have got you covered, Zoom is the ideal communication and engagement tool. We’ve listed some cool features and instructions below for anyone thinking of getting it, and if you’ve already got Zoom, then this will help you make the most of it.

1. Virtual Backgrounds - Customise your background with any image or video to keep your meeting space private, or just to have some fun! You can do this by clicking on the gear icon in ‘Settings’ (top right corner), selecting ‘Background & Filters’, then by choosing a pre-loaded background or uploading your own by clicking the ‘+’ sign.

2. Screen Sharing - Easily share your entire screen or specific applications during a meeting. Just click the ‘Share Screen’ button on the meeting toolbar, choose what you want to share e.g. your entire desktop or a specific window, and click ‘Share’ to start presenting. A handy feature when you’ve got the latest sales figures or marketing presso to share with the team.

3. Breakout Rooms - Split your meeting into smaller groups for discussions or activities. As the host, click on ‘Breakout Rooms’ in the meeting toolbar, decide how many rooms you want, then assign participants automatically or manually. Click ‘Create Rooms’ and manage them as needed.

4. Recording Meetings - Capture important meetings and webinars for later reference by clicking the ‘Record’ button on the meeting toolbar, choosing ‘Record on this Computer’ or ‘Record to the Cloud’, then by clicking ‘Stop Recording’ when you're done. You’ll then be able to find your recording in Zoom's ‘Recordings’ tab. This is a handy feature for any colleagues or clients who can’t make the meeting, but it’s still super important for them to know what went down in the meeting.

5. Emoji Reactions - Quickly express your feelings or reactions non-verbally, without interrupting the meeting, such as giving a thumbs up response or using the clapping hands to show your support. Just click on the ‘Reactions’ button on the meeting toolbar, and select an emoji to display on your video tile for a few seconds. It’s a great way to build confidence in the speaker, and share your opinion without having to say a thing or interrupt the flow.

6. Polling - Engage your audience with quick surveys and gather instant feedback. As the host, click on ‘Polls’ in the meeting toolbar, create a new poll with questions and options, then launch the poll during the meeting and view the results in real-time.

7. Waiting Room - Control when participants join your meeting, ensuring you're ready before they enter. In the Zoom client, go to ‘Settings’, and choose ‘Security’, then enable the 'Waiting Room’ feature. Participants will then have to wait until you admit them into the meeting.

8. Mute/Unmute Participants - Manage the meeting flow by controlling who can speak. Just click ‘Participants’ on the meeting toolbar, hover over a participant's name and click ‘Mute’ or ‘Unmute’. This feature is especially handy when there are a lot of meeting participants who are keen to join in the conversation….all at once!

9. Live Transcription - Make your meetings more accessible by providing real-time captions. To do this just click on the ‘CC’ (Closed Caption) button on the meeting toolbar and select ‘Enable Auto-Transcription’ to start live captions.

As you can see, Zoom offers a multitude of features to make your virtual meetings engaging, productive, and fun. Dive in, experiment, and make the most out of your Zoom experience!