How to Rock Your Next Zoom Meeting with These AV Tips

Apr 4

Hey, are you tired of Zoom meetings that make you want to snooze? You know, the ones where the audio is choppy, the video is blurry, and the presenter is droning on and on. Yeah, me too.

But don't worry, there's a way to make your next Zoom meeting more fun and engaging. And no, it doesn't involve wearing a funny hat or playing a drinking game. (Although, those could work too.)

It involves using some awesome AV tips that will make your Zoom meeting look and sound amazing. And trust me, these tips are easy and affordable. You don't need to be a tech wizard or spend a fortune on fancy equipment.

All you need are these simple tricks that will help you rock your next Zoom meeting. Ready to learn more? Let's go!

Use a good microphone

The first AV tip for your Zoom meeting is to use a good microphone. And no, your laptop or phone mic is not good enough. They can pick up a lot of background noise and make your voice sound muffled or distorted.

You want to use a dedicated microphone that can capture your voice clearly and crisply. You can use a USB microphone that plugs into your computer, or a wireless microphone that connects to your phone or tablet. Either way, you'll sound much better than using the built-in mic.

Some of the best microphones for Zoom meetings are:

- Blue Yeti: This is a popular and versatile USB microphone that has multiple patterns and controls. You can adjust the gain, mute, and headphone volume, as well as switch between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes. It also comes with a stand and a USB cable.

- Rode Wireless Go: This is a compact and convenient wireless microphone that clips onto your clothing or mounts on your camera. It has a built-in omnidirectional mic and a 3.5mm jack for external mics. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 7 hours.

Use a good camera

The second AV tip for your Zoom meeting is to use a good camera. And again, your laptop or phone camera is not good enough. They can have low resolution, poor lighting, and limited angles.

You want to use a dedicated camera that can capture your video in high definition, with good color and contrast, and with a wide-angle lens. You can use a webcam that attaches to your computer, or a digital camera that connects to your computer via HDMI or USB. Either way, you'll look much better than using the built-in camera.

Some of the best cameras for Zoom meetings are:

- Logitech C920: This is the one I have. It is a popular and reliable webcam that offers full HD video at 1080p and 30fps. It has a glass lens, autofocus, and dual microphones. It also has a clip that fits most monitors and laptops, and a tripod-ready base.

- Sony ZV-1: This is a compact and powerful digital camera that is designed for vlogging and streaming. It has a flip-out screen, a fast autofocus, and a built-in microphone. It also has a HDMI output, a USB port, and a rechargeable battery.

Use good lighting

The third AV tip for your Zoom meeting is to use a good lighting. And no, your room light or window light is not good enough. They can create harsh shadows, glare, or uneven brightness.

You want to use a dedicated lighting that can illuminate your face evenly and softly, with a natural and flattering color. You can use a ring light that surrounds your camera, or a softbox light that diffuses the light. Either way, you'll look much better than using the ambient light.

Some of the best lighting for Zoom meetings are:

- Neewer Ring Light: This is a popular and versatile ring light that offers dimmable LED light at 5500K. It has a tripod stand, a phone holder, and a remote control. It also comes with a carrying bag and a power adapter.

- Emart Softbox Lighting Kit: This is a simple and affordable softbox lighting kit that offers soft and even light at 5500K. It has two softboxes, two stands, two bulbs, and a carrying bag. It also has a switch and a power cord.

Use a good background

The fourth AV tip for your Zoom meeting is to use a good background. And no, your messy room or boring wall is not good enough. They can distract, annoy, or bore your audience.

You want to use a dedicated background that can create a professional and pleasant atmosphere, with a simple and relevant theme. You can use a green screen that allows you to change the background, or a backdrop that adds some texture and color. Either way, you'll look much better than using the default background.

Some of the best backgrounds for Zoom meetings are:

- Webaround Green Screen: This is a portable and practical green screen that attaches to your chair. It has a chroma key green color that works with most software and apps. It also has a spring steel frame that pops open and folds down easily.

- LB Brick Wall Backdrop: This is a realistic and durable backdrop that adds some character and style to your video. It has a brick wall pattern that looks natural and authentic. It also has a polyester fabric that is washable and wrinkle-resistant.

Use good software

The fifth and final AV tip for your Zoom meeting is to use a good software. And no, Zoom is not the only software you need. You may need some additional software to enhance your video and audio quality, as well as your presentation and interaction.

You want to use a dedicated software that can help you with editing, streaming, recording, and sharing your video and audio. You can use a software that works with Zoom, or a software that replaces Zoom. Either way, you'll have more options and features than using Zoom alone.

Some of the best software for Zoom meetings are:

- OBS Studio: This is a free and open source software that allows you to stream and record your video and audio. It has a powerful and customizable interface that lets you mix and match sources, scenes, filters, and transitions. It also has a plugin system that adds more functionality.

- Loom: This is a simple and easy software that allows you to record and share your video and audio. It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface that lets you capture your screen, camera, and microphone. It also has a cloud storage and a web player that makes it easy to share your videos.

Zoom meetings can be boring and awkward, but maybe a bit less with these tips. You can make your next Zoom meeting more fun and engaging. And, don’t forget that you can impress your audience with your video and audio quality, as well as your presentation and interaction.

And if you need some help with your AV setup, you can always count on Equinox Audio Visuals. We are your trusted and professional AV partner. We have the experience, reputation, equipment, and team to deliver the best AV solutions for your meeting. We also offer competitive pricing, and transparent quotes. We work with you closely to understand your goals, vision, and expectations and provide you with customized and creative AV designs and setups. We also support you throughout the meeting with our reliable and responsive service and support.

We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.

Doug Kunnath

Throughout my career, I have found satisfaction by utilizing a service and hospitality mindset along with an excitement to partner up with great partners to ensure shared success.

By setting our expectations high, we see our teams and our clients reach their true potential. From there, the success we all find is much more rewarding.

https://www.equinoxaudiovisuals.com