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“Who are you quarantining with?” That has been the number one question asked of my family, my friends, and myself over the last few months. I am one of the lucky ones; I have been with my wife, my daughter, and my son (depending on the week). However, that, unfortunately, is not the reality for most people. Many throughout the United States have been in self-isolation, due to either having contracted Covid-19, or being a high-risk individual. Luckily, there has been one bright spot in a year full of misery, video calls. Technology has advanced to such an extent that the video calls you saw in your favorite spy movie as a kid are only the click of a button away from you at any given time. This, at the very least, has made self-isolation and quarantining bearable. Here are some tips that you can use to video chat with your family and friends!
The first and most important step to video calling is selecting a platform that you understand and are able to use, independent of help from family and friends. Not only is this vital in terms of being able to use the service, but also for getting those around you to use the exact same service. A video call will only work if you are using the same platform. Some popular sites include Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger. There are limitations when it comes to the service you use. For example, FaceTime only works with Apple products, which include iPhones, MacBook’s, and iPads. However, services such as Zoom can be used from any and all phones, tablets, and computers, but, the free version is limited to 40 minutes of use at a time. This is why researching the service you will use is vital to a successful video call with all intended participants.
The next step is actually registering with a video chatting service. Although services like Zoom have a paywall after a certain amount of usage, there are alternative options that remain free to use for all users. These services allow you to send invites to your friends and family straight from the app or the website. This ensures that everyone is aware of where the video call will take place. If you are technologically challenged like I am, you might need some help from a friend or family member. Do not be afraid to ask for help when it comes to technology, communicating with others during quarantine is crucial to your mental health!
Finally, here are some tips for a great chat with your friends! First and foremost, check the strength of your Wi-Fi. The stronger your connection is, the better your experience will be with the video call, mainly in terms of video and sound quality. A good way to increase the strength of your connection is to position yourself closer to the router, which is the source of your Wi-Fi. Another tip that can improve your experience is utilizing a well lit, peaceful setting. This will allow you to easily be seen by your fellow callers, but also will allow you to remain in the conversation without any distractions. I know that these conditions are challenging for everyone, but these little things can make a difference. I know this for a fact after walking my mom through using her Alexa to video call me at my house. This has helped us remain connected and talk face to face on a weekly basis! This can work for you too! Here at Pinnacle, we have used Zoom to talk with each other, hold seminars, and catch up with clients. Just like always, we are here for you, and more than happy to have a video call with you at anytime!
