- Scott Stiefvater
10 Do's and Don'ts in the Battle Against Zoom Gloom
Updated: Dec 16, 2020

Zoom Gloom is the feeling of malaise you get when looking forward to another day of online meetings. At least part of that feeling stems from your anticipation of the technological and robotic aspects of the experience. While you can't get rid of these altogether, you can do a lot to minimize and even offset them by finding ways to be more human and organic in your online meetings.
Being Technological (do less of this)
Having your cam off while you are still there
Using the virtual background feature (because it always looks unnatural)
Screen sharing slides or other stuff when it isn't totally necessary (which is most of the time)
Being distracted by notifications, your inbox, private messages, etc
Using the chat feature to "chat" while someone else is actually talking
Using the raise-your-hand or emoji/reaction feature when you can actually raise your hand and react on your camera
Being expressionless and unemotional as you both speak and listen
Delivering a presentation as a linear transmission of information
Reciting a memorized script while you speak
Looking at the camera as you speak to fake eye-contact
Being Human (do more of this)
Keeping your cam on
Removing distractions, turning off notifications, not watching your inbox, etc
Raising your actual hand when you want to contribute
Nodding, smiling, wincing, frowning while listening
Being expressive and 'emotional' as you speak
Using your hands, gesturing as you speak
Looking at a face on your screen while you speak
Performing, i.e. sitting up and being energetic, while not putting on a performance
In lieu of Q&A, making the whole presentation a conversation
Enjoying the miracle of connecting with others who are miles and miles away
I know it is frustrating that you can't mandate this stuff, but you can model it and encourage it in others. Do your best to be the change you want to see.