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I had my committee meeting via Zoom today! For other people who'll be having online meetings and defences, here are my suggestions. [1/10] @AcademicChatter #acchat
1. Before the meeting, include some slides on your PPT with guidelines. For example: (a) Ask people to change the thumbnail so only the presenter is on the screen, (b) mute themselves during the presentation, (c) how can they message you if things go wrong? [2/10]
2. When making the PPT, leave an empty corner (like top right) on each slide, where you don't put any words or figures. Ask people to move your thumbnail to that corner so it doesn't obstruct the presentation, and they don't have to keep moving your face to see the figure. [3/10]
![2. When making the PPT, leave an empty corner (like top right) on each slide, where you don't put any words or figures. Ask people to move your thumbnail to that corner so it doesn't obstruct the presentation, and they don't have to keep moving your face to see the figure. [3/10]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET6BMczXQAEMlPu.jpg "2. When making the PPT, leave an empty corner (like top right) on each slide, where you don't put any words or figures. Ask people to move your thumbnail to that corner so it doesn't obstruct the presentation, and they don't have to keep moving your face to see the figure. [3/10]")
3. Before and after the meeting, move the committee members to a Zoom "breakout room", where you are not present, so they can have their pre- and post-meeting discussions. Once they're done with the discussion, they can go back to the main room (where you are). [4/10]
![3. Before and after the meeting, move the committee members to a Zoom "breakout room", where you are not present, so they can have their pre- and post-meeting discussions. Once they're done with the discussion, they can go back to the main room (where you are). [4/10]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET6Bfo9WAAYsEx8.jpg "3. Before and after the meeting, move the committee members to a Zoom \"breakout room\", where you are not present, so they can have their pre- and post-meeting discussions. Once they're done with the discussion, they can go back to the main room (where you are). [4/10]")
4. In PowerPoint, MAKE USE OF THE PEN/MARKER or laser pointers! Draw on your slides during the presentation to draw attention to what you're saying and what part of the figures you're talking about. [5/10]
![4. In PowerPoint, MAKE USE OF THE PEN/MARKER or laser pointers! Draw on your slides during the presentation to draw attention to what you're saying and what part of the figures you're talking about. [5/10]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET6BxoqWkAMIyGs.jpg "4. In PowerPoint, MAKE USE OF THE PEN/MARKER or laser pointers! Draw on your slides during the presentation to draw attention to what you're saying and what part of the figures you're talking about. [5/10]")
5. Lay out a contingency plan. If someone loses their connection, what can they do? If they are unable to reconnect to the internet, how can they rejoin the call via phone? [6/10]
![5. Lay out a contingency plan. If someone loses their connection, what can they do? If they are unable to reconnect to the internet, how can they rejoin the call via phone? [6/10]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET6CAd3XQAc8Q9O.jpg "5. Lay out a contingency plan. If someone loses their connection, what can they do? If they are unable to reconnect to the internet, how can they rejoin the call via phone? [6/10]")
6. If there are any departmental documents to be signed, share it with the committee prior to the meeting via Google Docs or email. [7/10]
7. In person meetings are hard enough, and online meetings are even harder, ESPECIALLY if you need to take notes in the middle. Ask your committee if you can record the meeting - that way, no one needs to divide their attention with note-taking. [8/10]
8. If required, you can use the "subtitles" feature on PowerPoint when sharing your screen, so that it's easier to follow in case your voice gets cut off due to shaky internet. [9/10]
9. Lastly - IT'S GONNA BE OKAY. This isn't an ideal situation, but we're all trying! Things won't be perfect, but be proud of yourself for making the best out of the situation. KEEP CRUSHING YOUR RESEARCH, AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF!
