How to Raise Your Hand in Zoom

When participating in a Zoom meeting or an online lesson, you have to respect certain rules. Online meetings might seem more relaxed because you’re participating from the comfort of your own home. However, there’s a set of rules that make meetings more effective.

One of the first rules is that you shouldn’t start talking whenever you want because that can distract the host and the other participants. You should politely raise your hand to let the host know that you have something to say, and wait until the other person finishes their speech. But how do you raise your hand during a Zoom meeting?

How to Raise Your Hand on Desktop

Although the Zoom app’s very effective, allowing you to participate in the meeting using your smartphone, many people still prefer to use their PC or Mac. Most are used to taking notes on their PC, while others find it easier to navigate. Here’s how to raise your hand if you’re using your computer:

1. Click on the Reactions section, at the bottom of your screen.
   
2. Click on the small icon in the shape of a hand, labeled “Raise Hand”.
   

Your hand is now raised, which means that the hosts and other participants will see that you have something to say. Hopefully, your turn will come soon, but everything depends on the person organizing the meeting. Some people like to have a Q&A session at the end of the meeting so you may have to wait for a while.

How to Lower Your Hand

Have you ever formed a question in your mind, only to hear the answer a moment later? Maybe the lecturer got to that point and clarified it, or someone asked the exact same question you wanted to ask. This often happens and that’s why it’s important to know how to lower your hand in Zoom meetings.

When you’ve raised your hand, the label on the hand icon changes from “Raise Hand” to “Lower Hand”. All you have to do is click on it and your hand will be lowered, to indicate that you don’t have any questions for now.

Shortcuts

If you’ve been wondering whether there are any shortcuts, we’ve got you covered. Shortcuts can be especially useful if you’re participating in a brainstorming session or an online language class. Anything that requires a lot of interaction.

If you’re using Windows, press Alt + Y to raise or lower your hand. Alternatively, if you’re using Mac, press Option/Alt + Y.

How to Raise Your Hand on Mobile Phone?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using the Zoom app on iOS or Android smartphone, the process is similar and takes just a couple of seconds. Here’s what you have to do:

1. Scroll to the bottom right corner then tap More.
   
2. Tap on the icon labeled “Raise Hand”.
   

The hand icon should now be visible and everyone should be able to see that you have something to say. Also, the label will switch from “Raise Hand” to “Lower Hand”. If you wish to lower your hand, all you have to do is tap on that sign.

Zoom Etiquette

Although Zoom meetings are usually more casual than conference room meetings, you’re still supposed to respect certain rules. As we already mentioned, the first rule is to raise your hand when you have something to say.

The second rule is to keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking. Especially if there are any other noises coming from your house, like your spouse watching TV, or your kids playing in the other room.

If the conference call lasts too long, you may be tempted to scroll through social media or read an interesting article in a magazine. We urge you not to do so, as the third rule is that you should avoid any distractions during a call. You may think that other participants won’t notice that your mind’s elsewhere, but that’s not true.

Ultimately, it’s disrespectful not to listen to your colleagues, and you may end up getting a bad reputation. Just because you couldn’t resist the temptation to check your Facebook page! Also, you may miss an important part of the meeting and then you’ll have to ask someone to repeat you all over again, which can be really uncomfortable.

Wrap Up

Some people prefer real-life meetings while others prefer Zoom because it’s much more relaxed. Well, it’s certainly easier to turn on your PC and connect, without having to dress up and commute anywhere. However, don’t forget to respect certain rules that help you communicate more effectively.

What’s your favorite feature on Zoom? We’d like to hear your opinion in the comments section below.