Tips for meetings in Microsoft Teams

Try it!

I am writing this post to provide you with some tips on how to make your Microsoft Teams meetings more productive and personal by focusing on audio, video, and collaboration.

Preview your video

It is a good idea to preview your video before you turn on your camera when you are in a meeting:

1. Turning on the camera will allow you to preview the video as you turn it on.
2. The way you want it to appear in the preview is as follows:
3. • If you wish to blur the background of your picture, select Blur my background.
   • The More background effects option allows you to preview a custom background or to create your own custom background by selecting a custom background.
4. After you have made your selections, make sure that the video is turned on and select Apply.

Share your screen

• You can share your screen by selecting the Share content option. Sharing can be done in a number of ways:
  • The desktop of your computer
  • Using a window
  • Presentation using PowerPoint
  • Boards and whiteboards

Raise your hand and show reactions

Select the type of engagement you want to have in the meeting under Reactions:

• It is possible to use the Raise Hand feature to let others know that you wish to participate in the conversation without interrupting others and you will allow them to know as soon as you prepare to do so.
• It is up to you to decide whether you want to show your feelings with an Applause or a Heart reaction.

Spotlight a video

I would recommend highlighting a speaker’s video so that everyone can see it the moment they start speaking.

• In the right-click menu, choose Spotlight > Spotlight in a second and confirm it by clicking Spotlight again.

Choose a video layout

Your meeting can be set up in a number of different ways with different video layouts. In the meeting controls, under More options (…), select one of the following options:

• Gallery: The default view of a video gallery is a 3×3 view showing the video in a 3×3 layout.

    Note: In the event that a meeting will include more than nine people and a video is present, Teams will prioritize the participants whose video is made available or those who speak the most.

• Large gallery: It is possible to see up to 49 other people at a time if you have a widescreen and a 7×7 TV at the same time.

    Note: 10 people must have their camera turned on. If no one’s sharing video, Large gallery cannot be selected from the menu.

• Together mode: This layout lets you feel like you’re in the same shared space with everyone in the meeting. Select Change scene to change the background for everyone.

  Note: As long as there are five or more people in the meeting, you will be able to use the Together mode.

   

Create breakout rooms

Organize breakout sessions to allow attendees to hold small, focused discussions in smaller groups.

1. Select the Breakout rooms option from the meeting controls.
2. Select the number of rooms you will need and the way in which participants will be assigned.
3. Select the “Create rooms” tab and then click “Start rooms”.

Check it in video

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a Microsoft team meeting?

1. Using Teams as a means of organizing meetings is the first step. …
2. The second step consists of turning on the camera and using the Background Blur feature. …
3. It is now time to move on to the third step: managing sounds and preparing for sharing. …
4. Making the meeting evergreen is the fourth step in making it evergreen. …
5. In order to stay consistent, team members must be trained to be consistent as a result of Step 5.