This might not apply to every speaker, but I really prefer that when someone has a question, that they start their chat message with the word QUESTION in all capital letters and then normally type their question. Remember that your video presence is helpful, so try to quickly finish your eating and moving, so you can join us again on camera :) Got a question? Type the word QUESTION in all caps first… Also, if you’re moving around, turn camera off because it can be distracting. It’s ok to eat in a Zoom meeting if you’re not expected to talk, but please turn your camera off. …except if you’re eating or moving around.

Your face/presence adds encouragement to the speaker, and makes the meeting more engaging for everyone.

And try to smile or give thumbs-up occasionally. If you believe that the Zoom meeting you’re attending is a relatively small one, try to plan ahead: be somewhere you can turn your camera on, and where the lighting on your face will be adequate. It’s discouraging for the speaker when they’re faced with a bunch of static profile photos or names (this is what happens when attendees have their cameras off). If in the rare case that you’re in a small meeting and your full attendance is required, then privately message the facilitator an apology, then leave. (You can just send everyone your silent well-wishes from the heart! Just don’t chat it -) This is the best practice most of the time. Instead, just leave the meeting without telling anyone. It can be discouraging to the speaker, and may cause others to leave, too.

By announcing that you’re leaving, it’s like standing up in the middle of a lecture and making sure everyone hears that you are leaving. I know you’re trying to be respectful but it’s better to slip out quietly. If you need to leave the meeting early, please leave quietly - without chatting the fact that you’re leaving. Here are the things I wish every attendee/student knew: If you need to leave a meeting in the middle… I host many group meetings and teach classes via Zoom. Before attending your next group meeting, please understand these things…

Zoom meetings etiquette