How to prepare for a videoconference (Google Meet)

Here are some quick tips on how to prepare for a videoconference, and what to expect when you join a Google Meet link like the one used in our support groups and some of our workshops.

How to log in – click the “join meeting” link on our website or in your email. If you are accessing a workshop on your smartphone or tablet, you will be prompted to download the Google Meet app and then sign in with your email address (it’s free). 

Take a few minutes before the start time to make sure your equipment works. Follow these guidelines:

  • Prepare your space – don’t have any distractions behind you, make sure it’s quiet and comfortable. Make sure that your desk/table is clear.
  • Prepare your camera – make sure it is working. Make sure the angle is appropriate and you have adequate lighting.
  • Prepare your sound – make sure you can hear. If you are having trouble with sound, try plugging in earphones. Silence your cellphone, be in a quiet room, and try not to eat food during the meeting (it’s distracting). 

Google Meet Layout:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a gmail email address, Google Meet will work on a computer, iPad, or iPhone. If prompted, you can install the app and sign in with your gmail email address (but it can also work without the app, just in a browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).

If you do not have a gmail email address: Please use an iPad or a computer to join (or sign up for a gmail account–it’s free!) Do not install the app as that may force you to sign in with a gmail email address. Google Meet will not work on an iPhone (it will keep prompting you to sign in).

You can sign up for a Gmail email address by going to gmail.com. It’s free! Think of it as the way to access our programs.

Programs can vary depending on the age of your computer. Try downloading Google Chrome. It’s free HERE. 

If you have a gmail email address, Google Meet will work on a computer, iPad, or iPhone. If prompted, you can install the app and sign in with your gmail email address (but it can also work without the app, just in a browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).

If you do not have a gmail email address: Please use an iPad or a computer to join (or sign up for a gmail account–it’s free!) Do not install the app as that may force you to sign in with a gmail email address. Google Meet will not work on an iPhone (it will keep prompting you to sign in).

You can sign up for a Gmail email address by going to gmail.com. It’s free! Think of it as the way to access our programs.

Please note that if you have access to a computer, you have more viewing options, which you might prefer. For example, on a smartphone, you can only see the person who is talking, but on a computer you can see everyone at once. 

For workshops: No, our workshops are not accessible only by phone. Please join us by video using the link provided in the email you received when you registered.

For support groups: If you do not have access to the internet, we may allow you to participate by phone call only. Please call 514-486-1448 to discuss your situation. 

There are a few different “views” in Google Meet. Here’s how to select what works best for you:

Under “Change layout” you can choose different views.

Please note that you can see up to 50 people per screen on Google Meet.

Zoom and Google Meet are very much the same. However, Zoom charges a fee for meetings that are longer than 45 minutes. We have 3-4 Support Groups occurring at the same time, plus a few workshops every month, so it would be costly to have multiple Zoom Accounts. Google Meet is free for us as a non-profit organization.

Also, we have a few participants in our support groups who join in by telephone. Zoom is based in the United States, so they would be charged international long distance rates to join.

We are in unprecedented times during the COVID-19 pandemic. AMI-Quebec’s top priority is the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff. Although we are currently experimenting with in-person events, most of our programs are still being held online. Click HERE to sign up for monthly email updates for information. 

If you don’t use Gmail: Google Meet will ask for your name–feel free to just enter your first name.

If you have a Gmail email address: Google Meet uses the name on your Gmail account. If you’d prefer to use just your first name, find out how by clicking: How to change your name on Google Meet.

Our feedback indicated that people wanted to see each other and had trouble figuring out who was speaking on the phone, especially in larger groups.  Facilitators could no longer “see body language” of participants, making their roles more difficult. Also people with hearing issues had difficulty having a phone to their ear for 90 minutes. Google Meet is also free; we had to pay for the telephone technology we were using. But don’t worry–you can still participate by phone; see “can I participate by telephone” above.

We recommend you find a place where a wall is behind you, or you could place a sheet or curtain behind you. You could also use your smartphone and sit in a car or outside.

You can also choose “change background” by clicking on the three dots at the bottom of your screen.

When you are in a meeting, there is a button at the bottom right marked CC. Click on that. You will see words (like movie subtitles) of everything being spoken.

If you are having trouble hearing the person speaking, try plugging earphones into your device.

I need technical assistance!

If you need further assistance, email david@amiquebec.org. For assistance ahead of time, phone us during business hours at 514-486-1448.

We know this can be confusing. AMI-Quebec is here for you.