Illustration by Chris Philpot
ZoomMeeting_Final1
We’re dreaming of life post–social distancing, but even then, the new normal might be more virtual than ever. In a recent Fast Company story, tech execs, VCs, and analysts were asked what COVID-19 would change. Among their answers: Working from home is here to stay—which could mean many more Zoom calls in our future. Luckily, Chris Denman of Mid Coast Media, which hosts events and produces podcasts including its flagship We Are Live!, has some tips and tricks for how to not bomb video calls, whether it’s your Monday-morning all-staff or a fun happy hour with friends. Each Thursday on Facebook, Denman hosts the We Are Live Virtual Happy Hour with STL Barkeep’s Matt Longueville and Pat Gioia. The latter two show viewers how to make inventive cocktails with ingredients you might already have at home, like the one below. Denman interviews such guests as Tony Cavalero of HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones. And artists like The River Kittens play a few songs. One thing to keep in mind for video calls, Denman says: “You can get a lot of stuff done virtually, but there will be unforeseen hiccups.” Here are some of his dos, don’ts, and dream guests.
Tips and tricks
Tip #1
Make sure your light source is in front of you, not behind you, so you aren’t backlit.
Tip #2
Keep your camera at eye level. Raise your computer with some books if you need to.
Tip #3
Turn off all the other wireless devices in your house—you’ll get a better connection.
Tip #4
Bust out the Ethernet cable. If you can get a hardwired internet connection, do it.
Dos and don'ts
What’s the magic number of attendees for a virtual happy hour?
“The novelty of having 10 family members and friends on the screen wears off quickly if people talk over each other,” Denman says. “If you’re dealing with, we’ll say, civilians, you’re gonna have one person trying to dominate and be funny. It's not going to translate. Let’s stick with four for the perfect number."
How do you talk without interrupting people?
“If you can learn anything from improv, it’s: Listen,” Denman says. “Try and be aware of ‘Is what I’m saying relevant and interesting?’ That’s a big thing, being mindful.”
Zoom backgrounds: Fun, or cheesy?
“Younger people have been enjoying goofy things online for a decade now, and people who scoffed at it are seeing ‘Oh, it’s fun,’” Denman says. “I don’t necessarily need to see the eight-year-old photos of your family in the background. I would rather see fake palm trees and you acting like a fool.”
Kids and pets crashing the party: Annoying, or delightful?
“What’s the rule for America’s Funniest Home Videos?” Denman asks. “It’s hilarious. The flip side of that is when you’re on meeting 12 and there’s a yippy dog in the background—then we’re going to step in and say, ‘OK, Cheryl…’”
Three dream happy hour guests:
“I think Michael Jordan drinking cocktails would be a sight to see,” Denman says. “Phil Hartman. And we need some tunes, so give me Dolly Parton. She can play music and tell stories.”
Three dream happy hour guests, but make them St. Louisans:
“Phyllis Smith—I want to see if all the flirtatious stuff she did on The Office was only acting—Ellie Kemper, and Jenna Fischer. That's a great happy hour.”
A recipe to make the hour even happier
Violet Vodka Cocktail
This refreshing libation from Pat Gioia of STL Barkeep is made with an ingredient you probably have in your backyard: the common wild violet.
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients
1 cup wild violets, stems removed, plus violets for serving
1 cup TILL vodka
1/2 oz. St-Germain
1/2 oz. turbinado simple syrup
1 oz. grapefruit juice
1/4 oz. lemon juice, plus lemon twist for serving
Ice for shaking and serving
Instructions
In a medium glass, combine the 1 cup of flowers and vodka, muddle, and let steep for six hours. Strain the infused vodka. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. violet vodka and the St-Germain, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice. Shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with violets and a lemon twist.
FYI Watch We Are Live’s Virtual Happy Hour, 4 p.m. Thursdays at facebook.com/weareliveradio.
