Dirk,
I'm glad that you've given this so much thought. It's helpful.
I do have an idea how to do voting. Just have everyone send their "voting
slips" in the form of an email or text to the Timer. Timer's choice--let's
make it as easy as possible for that person! Then the Timer counts the
votes and sends a private message to the Toastmaster. (Specify the order of
names as Speaker, Table Topics, Evaluator, since that's the order of
appearance.)
On Mon, Mar 16, 2020 at 5:04 PM <dirk@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Regarding timing, we’ll have the timer post the time elapsed in the chat
window. One function that will have to be curtailed is voting and awards.
There is no polling function within Zoom and there’s just no way to really
do the voting.
Regarding the video, there are three modes. First is where the person
speaking is shown as the primary image on the screen. Second is where you
can see everyone as large thumbnails on the screen *(don’t be the guy who
picks his nose…!).* Third you can select a single pane to make your
primary image. We shouldn’t need a designated person to be the video
controller. Remember, this software is designed to do this and it does it
well.
Thanks for asking Jonathan and I’m glad you and Jennifer will be able to
continue to participate! You’re a trend setter with an Ozone Generator!
Best,
Dirk
*From:* J. K. <jonathan.kolber@xxxxxxxxx>
*Sent:* Monday, March 16, 2020 4:42 PM
*To:* Dirk Kittredge <dirk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Cc:* Toast Masters <frtm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Subject:* Re: FRTM - Zoom Teleconference Considerations
Excellent thoughts, Dirk!
I am wondering how we handle the Timing function. Each of us has a
smartphone with a Clock app that can track time, but there's no signal to
the speaker. Suggestions, anyone?
Also, how do we quickly switch the video from one person speaking to
another? Can someone be designated to flip the video as appropriate?
On Mon, Mar 16, 2020 at 4:34 PM <dirk@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Zoom meeting thoughts:
1. This will work with any reasonably new laptop with a browser,
camera and microphone. It would be best if you were to make sure your
computer is updated prior to trying this exercise as Murphy’s Law dictates
that when you want to use it, Windows will decide it’s time to update.
2. Positioning the computer with a window or light source to your back
will result in a silhouette of your face. It’s best if you can have a
non-illuminated backdrop and some light reflecting off your face everyone
will appreciate your positioning. Also note that everyone will see your
background, so having your unmade bed behind you and your hair in curlers
may not be a good choice.
3. If you are sitting with your computer on the table at a typical
distance, the camera size will be about the width of your shoulders,
perhaps a bit more. So this will force your gestures to be done with face
primarily, though you can use your hands at your shoulder should you desire
that effect. This severely changes gestures and that’s part of the fun of
learning this medium.
4. We do have the ability to share a screen and everyone on the call
will be able to clearly see that. So for example, the Grammarian should
have a Word document with the word of the day that is shared with
definition and example usage. They can then share that document and
everyone can see.
1. It might not be a bad idea to have a pencil and paper to jot things
down during the meeting, like the Word of the day.
1. Screen sharing should be minimized for this exercise this week and
perhaps we put more emphasis on it next week?
2. Note your microphone is hot unless it’s muted. So if your spouse
asks why you’ve run out of toilet paper during the meeting, you get to be
embarrassed in front of the club. It will be best that you’re muted unless
you need to be speaking for the clarity of the meeting. That said, its up
to you to keep that under control.
I’m certain we’ll all learn from this and maybe on the first meeting back
in the physical premises we conduct a lessons learned round table. *(Robin,
didn’t you need to conduct a Round Table assignment? Maybe this would fit
your needs…)*
Once again, this is gonna be fun!
Dirk
