All Officers

4. Executive Meetings

4.2. Google Meet How-To

When you can't meet in person, having a teleconference is the next best thing. Skype, Google Meet, and other options are free. With screen sharing options and many other features, Google Meet is a great option.

What You'll Need

  • Supported web browser or app (Google Chrome is optimal)
  • Headset and microphone
  • Webcam (optional)
  • Reliable Internet connection (wired is preferable)
  • Google account

Hosting/Starting a Meeting

  1. Go to the Google Meet page (on mobile, use the app).
  2. Sign in to your Google account if needed.
  3. Select New Meeting, then select which meeting type is appropriate (either start a meeting immediately, or schedule one via Google Calendar)
  4. Assuming you are starting your meeting immediately, check your settings in the waiting room. Use the triple dot button to change settings such as what microphone and sound output to use.
  5. Select Join Now when ready.
  6. This will start the meeting. You will be presented with the link to share for others to join. Copy and send as needed.

Joining a Meeting

  1. Go to the Google Meet page (on mobile, use the app).
  2. Sign in to your Google account if needed.
  3. In the Enter a Code or Link box, enter the meeting code provided by the host.
  4. You will be put into a waiting room. Check your settings. If needed, use the triple dot button to change settings such as what microphone and sound output to use.
  5. Select Ask to Join when ready.

Sharing Your Screen (desktop/laptop only)

  1. Join a Google Meet. 
  2. Select the Present Now button in the lower right corner.
  3. Select what you want to share (a Chrome tab, an entire display, or a single window).

Screen sharing is an excellent way to conduct tutorials on how to use your club websites, or to look at DCP progress together. You may want to install a separate web browser such as Opera, set up the tabs you want to share, then set Hangouts to screen share just Opera (or whatever other browser you like).

Troubleshooting

If you have trouble with bandwidth or sound in the meeting, use the triple dot menu in the lower right corner, then Settings to make changes.

On the options, you can toggle your video source, microphone, and speakers. You can also change bandwidth settings on the Bandwidth tab.

If your microphone or headphone volume is still low or too high, adjust them on your device. For most versions of Windows, you can right click the volume control in the system tray, then choose Playback or Recording Devices as appropriate.

[Windows Sound Options]

Newer versions of Windows 10 have a new interface. Select Open Sound settings once you right click the speaker icon:

[WIndows 10 Sound Settings]

In either case, the most common issue is that microphone volume is too low. Start by setting it to 90% and adjust from there. Too high, and you'll get echo or sound too loud. Too low and you won't be heard. You may also need to adjust special features as well. Try pre-recording something or doing a test call as needed.