Setting up your technology for a remote coaching conversation

The screen

Use the biggest screen you have available for your participation. A desktop or laptop computer will usually be best, as long as it has both a camera and a way of plugging in a pair of headphones with microphone. Use tablets (e.g. an iPad) only as a second choice in case the primary choice is unavailable. Arrange the screen in a way that it can be at head height. Please don't use mobile phones - the screens simply are not big enough for the work we have to do together.

Headphone and a Microphone

Ensure that you have headphones with a microphone. I find that these greatly increase the sense of connection and contact between people. Headphones supplied with most good-quality smartphones do the job very well. Please don't participate in the engagement using the speakers on your computer or bluetooth speakers as they create a strong sense of physical distance.

Zoom Application

Download and install the Zoom application, which you can find at https://zoom.us/download , or on your device's app store (where it will be called Zoom Cloud Meetings). Please sign up for a free Zoom account at zoom.us if you don’t already have an account. If you have never used zoom, please familiarize with it and check that both sound and video are working on the computer you plan to use. I recommend you do a test call with someone so you can be sure your network has sufficient capacity for you to be able to hear and see well.

WhatsApp as the backup channel

We will be using WhatsApp as a backup channel for communication during the programme. It's particularly useful as a way to contact each other if our internet gets disconnected or we have other connectivity difficulties.

Internet Connection

Ensure you have good quality and consistent internet connection. In general wired connection is more consistent. If you are using wifi, find a place in your location that has high speed.