ZOOM | Here be secrets

As I jump into this, I have to be very careful not to break the internet or the universe. *Zoom* has become a verb in the dictionary of our lives. We Zoom meetings, Zoom yoga, Zoom funerals, Zoom weddings, Zoom happy hours, and we even Zoom church. It has become such an essential part of our lives that it's hard to imagine what we would do without it.

When the pandemic hit, Zoom quickly became the go-to platform for video conferencing. Suddenly, we were all Zooming with our friends and family members near and far. It was a way to stay connected when we couldn't physically be together. And as I said we also Zoom everything.

Ask anyone who has used Zoom, and they will tell you that it has its share of pros and cons. On the plus side, Zoom is easy to use, affordable, and reliable. It's also a great way to see people's faces and hear their voices, which can be especially important for those who are feeling isolated.

On the downside, Zoom can be tiring. Staring at a screen for hours on end can take a toll on your eyes and your brain. Zoom can also be a breeding ground for distractions. The temptation to check your phone or email is always there, and it can be hard to resist. However, it can be so fun too!

I know Zoom fatigue is real. There is nothing like a full day of Zoom meetings. One little tip; turn your camera off. I know we are supposed to enjoy face time with each other but it can become very tiresome. Do you really need to see my face when I am half asleep in the morning when I log on at 7 am?

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of Zoom meetings:

• Choose a well-lit and quiet place to have your meeting.
• Make sure your camera is positioned so that people can see your face clearly.
• Use a headset or headphones to reduce background noise.
• Mute your microphone when you're not speaking.
• Take breaks throughout the meeting to get up and move around.

So, there you have it. A little bit about the good, the bad, and the ugly of Zoom. If you are a seasoned Zoom user or a newbie, I hope this article has given you some helpful tips. It has become a very big part of our lives in a very short time. What will happen to Zoom in the post-pandemic world? Who knows!