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Help for Speakers

SPEAKER CHECKLIST

A. Before Convention
  1. Update your Zoom software to the newest version possible! Go to https://zoom.us/download2 and download the newest “Zoom Client for Meetings”.
  2. Test your internet connection by using the self-serve Zoom testing tool: https://zoom.us/test. When in the Zoom room, you'll be alone. To test your speakers and microphone, select the arrow beside the "MUTE" button (microphone icon) and select "Test Speaker & Microphone". Follow the steps provided.
  3. DO NOT use the Sched app that you find in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app version of Sched is very limited. Instead, go to https://sabtc2022.sched.com using your smartphone, tablet or computer's browser.
  4. Login to https://sabtc2022.sched.com and make sure you have added the session that you’re hosting to your personal schedule in Sched. (Click the little circle beside the session. All other session in this time block will become greyed out). Don’t worry if the session is full; you’re presenting so you’re in!
  5. 1-2 days before convention, you will receive an email that includes: the Zoom link for your sessions, and the name and email of your host (if one has been found for you).
  6. Review your presentation materials
    1. Online presentations go very quickly and your Zoom sessions will end at their designated end times.
    2. Give some thought to reducing the number of slides or content that you have to create more time for question and answer periods.
    3. Identify a few points later in your presentation where you could wrap-up early if you are running out of time.
  7. Upload documents to your sessions by logging in to https://sabtc2022.sched.com and clicking on the “manage & promote your sessions” link at that appears immediately about the session timetable.


B. 15-20 Minutes Before the Session Start Time

  1. There is only 15 minutes before the end of one block of sessions and the start of the next sessions. You must end on time.
  2. Use the Zoom link that was emailed to you or choose your session in Sched and click the yellow “Open Zoom” button underneath the session title. You may have to wait in the Waiting Room until the Operator starts the session.
  3. Once you’re admitted into the Zoom room, click on the Participants menu and hover over your name. Click on the blue “More” button and choose “Rename” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Rename yourself so the word “Speaker” precedes your name (e.g. “Speaker – Jimmy”). This will help the Operator find you in the participant list.
  5. The Operator’s name will be at the top of the Participants menu. They will be named something like “Encore - Dave.
    1. If you can unmute your microphone and turn your camera on, introduce yourself to the Operator and ask to be promoted to a “co-host” in Zoom. This will give you additional abilities.
    2. If you can’t unmute your microphone or turn your camera on, open the Chat window and send a message to the Operator asking for them to promote you to a “co-host”.
  6.  If you have a host for your session(s), introduce yourself. Tell them how you would like to be introduced (by default they will simply read the speaker bio that is posted in Sched). Please make sure that your hosts know how to pronounce your name and know which pronouns you use.
  7. If you have a host, they should ask how you would like to handle questions from the participants.
    1. Would you like them to watch the chat and stop you when there are questions?
    2. Would you like participants to raise their hands to ask questions?
    3. Would you like to have participants simply unmute themselves to ask questions?
    4. Would you like to save all questions until the end?
  8. If you have a host, they should inform you that will give you a 10 minute and 5 minute warning before the session ends. If you don’t have a host, ask one of the participants to type a 10 minute warning and 5 minute warning in the chat for everyone.
  9. Make sure to take time before your session to work with the Operator to ensure you can share your screens, use breakout rooms, etc.
  10. If you have any slides with sound or videos to share, ensure that you test these with the Operator to make sure the sound plays for your participants.


C. During the Session

  1. Promptly at the scheduled start time, you (or your host) should Introduce your and explain how you’d like questions to be handled.
  2. Remind the participants to mute their microphones when they are not talking. (If they fail to do so, you, your host, or the Operator can turn their mics on and off by hovering over their names in the Participant menu.)
  3. You (or your host) should Introduce the Operator and tell the participants that, if they have any technical issues during the session, that they can contact the Operator through the chat or they can email the Help Desk. The email for the Help Desk is at the top of the https://sabtc2022.sched.com homepage.
  4. Once the presentation is underway, your host (if you have one) will monitor the chat for you, if you’ve asked them to do so.
  5. If you need technical help with anything, ask for the Operator by name. Each Operator monitors up to two sessions at a time so this is the best way to get their attention.
  6. Although it’s not likely to happen, if you notice any inappropriate or unprofessional comments in the chat, please send a chat message to the Operator and ask for them to remove that participant.
  7. 10 minutes before the session end time, your host or designated helper should send a chat message to everyone that says there is only 10 minutes left.
  8. 5 minutes before the session end time, your host or designated helper should send a chat message to everyone that says the session will end in 5 minutes.
  9. No matter what, the Operator will end the session at the scheduled end time. If you are still going when there is 2 minutes until the scheduled end time, please wrap up your current thought.
  10. Type your email address in the chat so participants can contact you with any questions they might have.
  11. Encourage the participants to fill out a session feedback form in Sched. These will appear at the top of each session screen 5 minutes before the session starts. It is a simple form with a smiley face rating scale and a comment box. Remind participants that there will be over $1000 of raffle prizes for teachers who provide session feedback.
  12. Thank the Operator and the participants for their time and wish everybody a good rest of convention or weekend.
  13. All sessions will be recorded and will be posted to Sched for 1 month. Recordings will be posted within 48 hours of convention.

D. SLOW / UNSTABLE INTERNET? 
  • Turn off your camera. Streaming two-way video takes a lot of bandwidth. If people start to freeze or sound like they’re under the sea, turn your camera off.
  • Shut down the competition. Where are your kids/partners/roommates? Are they gaming or streaming video? Is your Roomba vacuuming? Turn off as many WIFI-stealing devices as you can.
  • Move your modem. Try to position your modem so it is away from walls and is located centrally in your home. If you can’t move your modem, move yourself so you are located more closely to it.
  • Change networks. Many modern modems create both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks. The 5.0 GHz network is usually faster, but the 2.4 GHz network has better range. Change which network you are connected to in your WIFI settings.
  • Connect via ethernet. Connect your device to one of the ethernet ports on the back of your modem using a blue or yellow cable. You may need an adaptor/dongle to connect to ethernet.
  • Timezone Southern Alberta Teachers' Convention 2021
    America/Edmonton
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