Bulletin to ThinkTech Hosts - Week of April 23, 2023

Dear ThinkTech Hosts:

Host Bulletin, Week of April 23, 2023

Best Device

You and your guests should connect from a desktop computer or laptop if at all possible. They have more functionality, stability, and better video and audio quality. Phones and tablets should be used as a last resort, but if you need them, 1) have a phone stand, books, and tape ready to make adjustments; 2)  learn how to navigate the Zoom settings, including rotation lock; and 3) connect headphones with a mic to your device.

Professionalism

To present yourself in the best light, please wear semi-professional clothing and choose a presentable location to record. Do not wear clothes that are white, striped, seersucker or have small patterns like checkers or dots. They create distracting video artifacts around your head and shoulders. Also wear clothing that distinguishes you from the background. Appropriate dress not only looks good on camera, but also creates a positive and professional image for you, your guests and your show.

Zoom Chat

Keep an eye on the Zoom chat box throughout the show so you can watch for notifications. The engineer may message you about show timing (e.g., "5 minutes to close") or issues that need to be fixed. Wrap up promptly when the engineer messages you to close the show--time has already run out, please refrain from asking final questions or making closing remarks. This will ensure that we stay on schedule and end the show on time.

Show Cancellations

If ever you or your guest can't make it to your show, please plan alternatives:

1. Keep an updated list of other hosts and/or guests to step in as last-minute backups.
2. If host is unavailable but guest is ready, and you can't find a backup host in time, with some notice we may be able to find a substitute host
3. If guest is unavailable, and you can't find a backup guest in time, host can do a solo show, preferably with slides or other graphics.
4. Pre-record a show on your own Zoom account. You need approval for this option, because it doubles or triples the staff time and expenses for the show. Let us know a week in advance.

If you do end up cancelling, let us know ASAP so we have time to recover and set up an alternative show.

Promotion Tip

Encourage your network--family, friends, coworkers, colleagues, and anyone else who would be interested--to like, comment, and share your video. This will not only boost engagement and expand your audience, but also improve the ranking of your video, increasing the chances that it will be discovered by even more people.

Please regularly review past Host Bulletins and other resources - it leads to better shows. See our equipment suggestions at https://thinktechhawaii.com/equipment-suggestions-2/.

Questions, contact hayley@thinktechhawaii.com.