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Basic Equipment Needed for Toastmasters Virtual Contests
April 5, 2020
Barbara Wallace, DTMDivision G Director
Many thanks to all Contributors!
The Navigators ToastmastersCheryl Boncimino
City Talkers ToastmastersDistrict 44 Leaders
District 44 Division Contestants
DisclaimerThis presentation is intended to be helpful to Toastmasters who might not
be familiar with the hardware components that are used to enhance your image as you participate in a virtual Toastmasters meeting or contest.
We are not recommending any particular vendor’s products. The hardware components shown in the following slides are suggestions only.
As a speaking contestant, you will need to take ownership of setting up your individual virtual meeting environment.
As a speaking contestant, you will want to PRACTICE your speech and get feedback from your fellow Toastmasters club members. To get it right,
PRACTICE – PRACTICE – PRACTICE!
Table of Contents
• Basic Camera Solutions• Basic Audio Solutions• Lighting Considerations• Backgrounds• Network Connectivity• Advanced Options• Important Considerations for Speakers
Basic Camera Solutions: Built‐in Camera
Use the built‐in camera in your Phone or PC or Tablet
Basic Camera Solutions: External Web Cameras
Add external web camera to your PC– Wired devices attach to your PC or Tablet via USB port
– Wireless devices connect via Bluetooth
Basic Audio Solutions: External Speakers
Use PC with external speakers ‐ wired or wireless
Basic Audio Solutions: Lavaliere Microphone
ADD Lavaliere Microphone to PC or Phone
Wireless LavaliereTeaching Microphone
Wired Lavaliere USB Microphone
Wireless LavaliereMicrophone
Search google or ebay or amazon (or big box stores) for Lavaliere Microphones googlehttps://www.google.com/search?q=lavaliere+microphones&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS862US862&oq=lavaliere+microphones&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l7.12941j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF‐8ebayhttps://www.ebay.com/b/Lavalier‐Pro‐Audio‐Microphones/29946/bn_101519733Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Wireless‐Lavalier‐Microphones‐Systems/b?ie=UTF8&node=11974761
Basic Audio Solutions: Wireless Headsets
Wireless Headsets Attached via Bluetooth to PC– On‐ear wireless headsets with built in microphone– Not Recommended for use in Virtual Contests but can be used if desired
Lighting Considerations
Add external portable lighting for a brighter you!If you are a Speaker in a virtual contest, lighting plays an important role.
Desk lamp(s) can be placed in front of you to enhance your image
Selfie light can be placed in front of you
Photographic lighting can be placed in front of you or pointed at you strategically
Lighting Considerations: Fix Exposure ‐ Under or Over
Light from your flash can product harsh and unwanted shadows, over or under exposure
Overexposed –avoid back lighting
Correctly positioned lighting
Underexposed –avoid back lighting
Lighting Considerations
Use external portable lighting positioned in front of your face and body for best exposure
Can use what you have or purchase other lighting options
Backgrounds for Speakers: Blank Wall
Use a neutral background – Blank wall without pictures or lighting
Backgrounds for Speakers: Other Options
Cover bookcase with sheet
Use a DYI green screenHow to Make a Portable DIY Green Screen for Under $20 (PVC & tablecloth)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du0XaCl25iQ
Other Considerations: Network Connectivity
Locate where network connection is strongest and setup your speaking area in that location– Use Wifi speed test – PC or Phone Apps are available
– May need to reboot your network modem a day or two before the contest
Advanced Options: Use Phone & PCUse Phone for Audio Only
– Launch Zoom on Phone • Turn AUDIO ON in Zoom• Turn Video OFF in Zoom• Place Phone near your speaking area
– Launch Zoom on PC• Turn AUDIO OFF in Zoom • Turn Video ON in Zoom
Speaker will be able to speak and be heard with this method
Advanced Options: Use Phone & PC • Launch Zoom meeting on Phone• AUDIO and VIDEO are ON in Zoom app• Phone is used as camera and pointed to your speaking area• Wireless headset is connected to phone via bluetooth
• Launch Zoom Meeting on PC• Turn AUDIO OFF on PC• Position PC to face the speaker• PC is a monitor only – so the speaker can see the club members and timer.
Advanced Options: Link Phone & PC Audio Dial into Zoom meeting from Phone
Use Join Via Mobile (New York) or Dial by your Location US (New York)• Enter Meeting ID from Zoom invitation when prompted• Phone Audio is ON
Launch Zoom Meeting link from PC• Mute AUDIO on PC
• On PC ‐ Select Up Arrow beside Mute in Zoom window• Select Leave Computer Audio• Select Switch to Phone Audio
•Result: • Only one audio connection will show up in Zoom • Feedback will be eliminated for the duration of the meeting
•
Important Considerations For Contestants • Remember: • Turn on Do No Disturb/Airplane Mode before you start
speaking
• Practice at the time of day your contest will be held– If your contest is in the morning, practice in the morning light– If your contest is in the evening practice in the evening light – Make sure to set up lighting in accordance with that time of
day.
• Questions? Reach out to our District Leaders!– [email protected]
That’s All Folks…