CHC Cribs
(Or, How I set up my space for virtual presentations)
During one of my first webinars — before Covid and virtual presenting became our norm — I looked past the camera at my husband, John. He was my technical support for this rare online session, and he took it quite seriously.
Fast forward to today, and I now teach several online classes a week. With this shift, I’ve had to change my set-up. I can’t have constant in-room tech support. My solution has been to engineer the heck out of my space to become my own tech support. Today I’m taking you behind the scenes to show you my set-up in this special edition of MTV Cribs, or as I’m calling it, CHC Cribs (Christine Haas Consulting Cribs…the best jokes are the ones that need explaining). Here we go!
Click each item in the list for details or scroll down. The links will only work in Chrome because technology.
1.Webcam + Reminders
2. Lighting from Windows
3. Control Computer
4. Legal Pad on Clipboard
5. Coffee + Water (not shown)
6. Main Monitor
7. Headphones, Post-it, Sharpie
8. Microphone
9. Slide Clicker, Keyboard, Mouse
10. Main Computer with Slides
- Webcam + Reminders
I use a Logicam C920 Webcam HD Pro, centered on my monitor and at eye level. You can also use the camera in your laptop or computer monitor, which are usually high quality. However, I elected to get a separate webcam so my large monitor could be directly in front of me.
Regardless of which camera you use, set-it at eye level for the best effect. You can use a computer stand to get your camera to eye-level, but a stack of books also works just as well. The goal is to appear like you’re sitting across the table from others on the call; not like they’re sitting in your lap.
You’ll see two reminders by my webcam. One says Look here and the other says Record. The Look here post-it is a reminder to make eye contact with the camera and avoid looking at the people on the screen. Look at the difference it makes.
Because I don’t often record my sessions, the Record post-it is a reminder for when I do. I purposely put the post-it over people’s videos so that I don’t forget to press record at the start of class. Then I remove it once I’ve started recording.
2. Lighting from Windows
I’m lucky to have two large windows in this room. Natural light is some of the best to use for virtual set-up, because you’re visible without having harsh shadows or bright lights in your eyes. When it’s dark out, I have an overhead light that’s a few feet in front of me.
If you struggle with lighting in your space, you could simply put a lamp in front of you or buy some Ring Lights to attach to your computer.
Lighting makes a huge difference to how people perceive you.
3. Control Computer
Having a second computer is a luxury, and not necessary for a standard set-up. I bought this computer years ago to have a workstation for my webinar technical support. When the pandemic hit, I decided to add it to my standard set-up, and it’s immensely useful for teaching.
This computer joins every class I teach, though I turn the camera off and mute the sound. I label it Christine Control and it sits in as an extra “participant” in my class. This way I can see exactly what participants are seeing. If they are struggling to do something on Zoom, I can guide them. If my slides aren’t visible, I know without having to say “Can everyone see my slides?” If I need to drop into a Breakout Room, I go from this computer.
4. Legal Pad on Clipboard
My legal pad not only makes me feel official, but also holds my schedule and attendance list for the class. The clipboard is a dorky, but important feature, because I can pick up the pad and jot down notes quickly while easily staying in the camera frame.
5. Coffee + Water
You’re only seeing my coffee, but my water bottle is just behind me in this picture. I make it a point to have caffeine and hydration nearby for every session. If my voice gives out or if I’m tired, coffee and water are essential comfort points.
6. Main Monitor
How you set-up your main monitor is an art unto itself. The way you position your windows during virtual meetings, presentations or gatherings can make or break how easily you’re able to participate or lead the session. If nothing else, spend time experimenting with your layout, as everyone needs something slightly different.
My slides are on my second monitor to the right, leaving the entire main monitor as open real estate for my various windows. I’ve played around with many configurations, and here’s where I’ve landed.
- I put the participant videos at the top of the slide, so that when I do look at their faces, I don’t have to look very far down.
- I put my Zoom control bar just above my music to quickly mute or stop sharing slides.
- The Spotify window has the music I use for classes.
- The Moderator Breakout Rooms + Prompts document has all the pre-typed instructions and links for class. If I have a moderator in the session, they refer to this. If I’m moderating my own session, I copy them from here and paste them into chat.
- The Participants pane is usually only open at the beginning of class as I admit people into the room. This is replaced with the Breakout Room pane as we get into our session.
- The Chat window rounds out my screen. I put it close to the top so that I can easily see if someone has dropped a comment or question into the chat as I’m teaching.
I have this main monitor on an adjustable arm. Normally, I stand when I present because it helps me think more clearly and gives me more energy. I have a fatigue mat to make standing more comfortable. Back issues have recently forced me to sit, which is why you see the monitor on its lowest setting.
7. Headphones, Post-it, Sharpie
My headphones are plugged into my Control Computer, so I don’t get echo or feedback from having two computers. Headphones are also helpful to have nearby in case my microphone goes down or if I’m having trouble hearing someone.
The post-its are in case I need another reminder tag. The sharpie is useful to sketch out a slide design idea and share with the class. Because it’s a thicker darker line, it’s easier to see through the camera than drawing with a pen or pencil. I have blank printer paper nearby or I’ll use the legal pad.
8. Microphone + Blanket
I use a Blue Yeti Desktop microphone. I’d consider this another luxury item, though if you do many online meetings or presentations, I’d recommend investing in your audio set-up. I’ve experimented with my computer speakers, headphones, lavaliere mic and this Blue Yeti microphone, and found the Blue Yeti to have the best audio quality.
The downside is that the microphone is large, so I have to peer around it to see my computer screen. When I stand to teach, it’s not an issue, but sitting it’s often in the way. If this is a concern for you, there is a Blue Yeti Nano, which is smaller, but still good audio quality.
The pink blanket helps to cushion the echo I’d otherwise have from my metal-topped standing desk. This is one of the easiest and cheapest solutions if you have an echo in your audio. Use blankets or pillows to help absorb the sound.
You’ll also notice a bed with lots of pillows in the background. This was part of the room set-up already, but I added some extra pillows.
9. Slide Clicker, Keyboard, Mouse
I love a slide clicker. When I taught in-person, a slide clicker was essential (I traveled with four of them) because it untethered me from the computer. Now it’s simply a comfort object to hold when I have a sequence of slides to go through. While the clicker keeps me from searching for the right button on the keyboard, it’s far from an essential piece of the kit. I dream of the day when my slide clickers and I travel again.
The keyboard and mouse are operated via a USB plugged into the computer. This way I don’t have to turn and reach up to use the touch pad and keyboard on the laptop itself.
10. Main Computer with Slides
This is the main computer I use to run my slides. I have the computer on a stand to put it closer to eye level. This makes it easier to glance over and see that the slide has advanced.
This computer is hardwired into the Internet. Through various trials, I’ve found that hardwired gives me a more consistent, stronger internet connection. It’s the first thing I recommend to people who are struggling with spotty Internet.
There you have it! I hope you learned a few useful ideas and feel inspired to become your own personal DJ Tech God or Goddess.
