Take some time well before your session to prepare your technology. This avoids any troubleshooting on the day and ensures you maximise your time and get the most out of your session. Things to consider are:
Booking and Confirmation
- You’ve booked your session – yay! You should have received a booking confirmation email. If you haven’t, check your email spam/junk folders. You may wish to add my email address ([email protected]) to your contacts list/address book so you don’t miss any further communications regarding your appointment.
- Very important: Your booking confirmation email will contain a unique Zoom meeting link, a meeting ID, and possibly a passcode. Save this email! You’ll need it on the day of your appointment.
- Double-check the date and time of your appointment. Convert it to your local time zone if necessary. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar (or both 😉).
Technical Setup
- Device Selection: Check that your device has a stable internet connection, a functioning camera, and a microphone. A laptop or desktop computer generally provides a better experience than a mobile device.
- Internet Stability: Test your internet connection speed. You can use online speed test tools, such as Fast.com. A download speed of at least 3-5Mbps (megabits per second) is required to receive the video and audio from me. An upload speed of 1-3 Mbps or more is necessary to transmit your own video and audio. A ping of less than 100ms (milliseconds) will prevent delays or lag. A wired Ethernet connection is the most reliable. If using Wi-Fi, ensure you’re close to your router and minimize interference from other devices.
- Zoom Installation: While certainly not essential, it is recommended that you download and install the latest version from the official Zoom website (https://zoom.us/download). It’s free to install and, according to Zoom, it’s less glitchy. If you already have Zoom installed, ensure it’s up to date.
- Audio and Video Testing: Open Zoom and test your audio and video settings. If you prefer not to install the Zoom software, you can launch a test meeting from your browser instead by going to ‘zoom.us/test’. Google Chrome tends to be the best browser to use for Zoom. Check that your microphone and camera are working correctly. Adjust the volume and lighting as needed. Poor lighting gain make your video look dark or grainy.
- Device Charging: Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged into a power source to prevent interruptions.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any applications or browser tabs that could consume bandwidth, such as streaming services, online games, file uploads/downloads, and multiple open browser tabs.
Preparing Your Space
- Quiet Space: Find a quiet, private space where you can relax and focus. Minimize background noise and distractions, such as notifications from social media, email, or texts.
- Comfort: Get comfortable! Have a cosy chair, cushions, or blankets available.
- Hydration: Feel free to have a glass of water, herbal tea, or cuppa nearby.
- Pen and Paper: You may wish to have a pen and notepad handy to record significant insights or key points from your session.
- Intention Setting (Personal): Before the session starts, take time to write down what you want to get out of the session. Write down any questions you may have.
Logging into the Zoom Session: Step-by-Step Guide
On the day of your appointment, about 30 minutes prior to your session start time, go through the following steps:
Accessing the Link
- Locate your booking confirmation email from 5DMe.
- Click on the Zoom meeting link provided in the email. This will typically open Zoom automatically or prompt you to open it.
Zoom Launch
- If Zoom doesn’t open automatically, you may be prompted to enter the meeting ID and passcode (if provided). Enter the information accurately.
- If prompted, allow Zoom access to your camera and microphone.
Entering the Waiting Room
- You will most likely enter a virtual “waiting room.” This is a standard Zoom feature that allows participants to be admitted to a meeting individually.
- You may have to remain in the waiting room for a brief period while I finish up with the previous client or prepare for your session. I make every effort to admit you to the meeting room on time, but occasionally there can be a slight delay. It’s the equivalent of knocking on the front door and waiting for me to answer.
Audio and Video Confirmation
- Once admitted, double-check that your audio and video are working correctly.
Initial Connection
- After we have confirmed that we can both see and hear each other, I will greet you and we can begin the session.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Potential Issues
Zoom Link Issues
- If the link doesn’t work, try copying and pasting it into your web browser.
- If you still encounter issues, try manually entering the meeting ID and passcode.
Audio/Video Problems
Check your device’s audio and video settings.
Audio:
- Confirm that the correct microphone and speakers are selected in your device’s audio settings. Sometimes Zoom defaults to a different microphone or speaker.
- Make sure your microphone isn’t muted and check that the input volume is high enough. Also check your speaker volume.
Video:
- If you have more than one camera (like an external web-cam and a built-in camera), check that Zoom is using the right one.
- Check your device’s privacy settings to confirm that Zoom has permission to access your camera.
- Make sure there is nothing blocking your camera lens.
Restart Zoom or your device.
Ensure your internet connection is stable.
Connection Issues
- If you experience frequent disconnections, try moving closer to your router or using a wired Ethernet connection.
- If you’re still having trouble, contact me on 0401 202 014 for assistance.
Zoom Application Issues
- Uninstall then reinstall the zoom application.
- Restart your computer.
As a last resort
Don’t worry, if we still can’t get Zoom to work, there are other options. We just have to get creative. We can try other video call alternatives, such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsAp, or FaceTime. If all else fails, we can do an audio-only session over the phone.
By following these detailed steps, you should have a smooth and seamless Zoom session, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the transformative experience of Dimensional Alchemy.
