As we adjust to the current circumstance of working remotely and holding meetings online, platforms such as Zoom have become essential for communication. While video calls have their benefits, there are times when we need to visually clarify our thoughts and utilize diagrams to improve our communication. Fortunately, Zoom offers a convenient feature that permits us to draw directly on the screen during a meeting. In this article, I will lead you through the steps of drawing during a Zoom call, personalizing your drawings, and sharing my own experiences throughout.
First, let’s start by joining a Zoom meeting. Once you are in the meeting, look for the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. You will find an option labeled “Share Screen.” Click on it, and a new window will open, displaying different screen sharing options. From here, you can choose to share your entire screen or just a specific application or window. Select the screen or application you want to share, and click on the “Share” button.
Now that you are sharing your screen, it’s time to enable the drawing feature. At the top of the screen sharing toolbar, you will see a menu with various options. Look for the option labeled “Annotate.” When you hover over it, a submenu will appear, providing you with different annotation tools like a pen, highlighter, and shapes. Feel free to choose the tool that suits your needs and preferences.
Once you have selected an annotation tool, you can start drawing on the screen. Click and hold your mouse button to begin drawing, and release it to stop. Don’t worry if your lines are not perfect; the beauty of adding personal touches is embracing imperfections and making your drawings unique. Whether you want to highlight key points, illustrate a concept, or share some quick doodles to lighten the mood, the drawing feature on Zoom allows you to do it all.
One of my favorite features while drawing on Zoom is the ability to change the color and thickness of the pen or highlighter. To access these options, simply click on the small arrow next to the pen icon on the annotation toolbar. Experiment with different colors and sizes to make your drawings stand out and customize them to your liking.
Now that you have learned how to draw on a Zoom call, it’s time to share some personal touches and commentary. During my online meetings, I often find myself adding personal notes and drawings to emphasize important points or inject a bit of creativity into the conversation. It not only helps me communicate better but also keeps the meeting engaging and interactive.
For example, when discussing a project timeline, I like to draw a visual representation of the different milestones and deadlines. This helps everyone in the meeting understand the timeline more clearly and keeps them engaged in the conversation. Additionally, when brainstorming ideas, I find it useful to sketch quick diagrams or mind maps to visualize concepts and spark creativity.
Adding personal touches and commentary during a Zoom call can also create a sense of connection and make the meeting more personable. You can use the drawing feature to doodle your favorite motivational quotes, show your support with virtual high-fives or thumbs up, or even draw a virtual birthday cake to celebrate a colleague’s special day.
In conclusion, drawing on a Zoom call is an excellent way to enhance communication, add personal touches, and make meetings more interactive. It allows us to visualize ideas, emphasize key points, and inject creativity into our discussions. So, the next time you find yourself in a Zoom meeting, don’t be afraid to grab that virtual pen and make your mark on the screen. Happy drawing!