With the possibility of more than 50 participants, following these instructions will ensure that the online ceremony runs smoothly and everyone who wishes to make a statement of gratitude has the opportunity to do so.

Signing into Zoom

Make sure that your first and last name appears as your user profile. If you wish to make a statement of gratitude and your name is unclear (e.g., it says “Joe’s iPad” instead of “Joe Schmoe”), the host may not be able to give you a verbal cue as described below.

If a pop-up box appears that asks if you’d like to give the RZC host permission to unmute you, click “Allow.”

  • If you’ve previously given permission, the prompt will not appear.

Making a statement of gratitude

When we get to the point where folks are invited to speak, the host will make an announcement. Each of us will be sitting and facing our device.

Click the virtual “Raise Hand” icon on your device to signal to the host that you’d like to make a statement. This will help avoid people talking over one another.

  • The “Raise Hand” icon is located in different places depending on the device you’re using. Here’s a webpage with helpful tips on how to access it and how to troubleshoot if you can’t find it at first glance: https://barbaraiweins.com/zoom-beginner-tips-how-to-raise-hand-on-zoom/.
  • Prior to the Ceremony, you can also do a simple Google search on “how to use the raise hand feature on an iPad” (or whatever device you have) and watch a video that demonstrates it.

When it’s your turn to speak, the host will unmute you and give you a verbal cue (e.g., “Go ahead, Kerry Berry”).

  • However, if you have not previously given permission for the host to unmute you (as described above), a pop-up box will appear on your screen that says the host is asking you to unmute. Be sure to do so before you make your statement.
  • If you’re not familiar with the Zoom mute/unmute microphone icon, see https://www.howtogeek.com/670311/how-to-mute-yourself-on-a-zoom-call/.
  • If all else fails, the host will verbally ask you to unmute yourself.

When you’ve finished speaking, make a bow, and the host will then mute you (if you have not already done so).

Lastly, keep in mind that your virtual hand may be raised for quite some time before your name is called. Don’t be concerned if you’re not called on right away, as this is to be expected if we have dozens of participants.