How to use Microsoft Teams to join our online meeting platform
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a communication app that allows you to:
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Attend online meetings
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Make video and voice calls
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Send messages using chat
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Share documents and information
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Many healthcare services, support groups, workplaces, and families use Teams to stay connected.
Before You Start
You will need:
✅ A computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
✅ An internet connection
✅ Speakers or headphones
✅ A microphone (built into most devices) - you only need this if you would like to speak on the video call
✅ A camera if you would like others to see you on the call (you do not need to have this)
Joining the Meeting
Step 1 Open the meeting invitation link and click: Join the meeting now
Step 2 Choose either: Open Microsoft Teams (this is when you already have teams downloaded on your device), OR Continue in your web browser
Step 3 Before joining, you can choose whether to turn your:
Camera on or off
Microphone on or of
We ask that everybody initially keeps their microphones off - so that there is no overlap or background noise. You will be prompted for any questions - which is when you can switch your microphone on
Step 4 Click: Join now
During the Meeting
You will see some things displayed at the top of the screen.
The Microphone icon looks like this:
Click to: Unmute yourself when speaking and to mute yourself when not speaking (the icon will have a line through it when muted)
The Camera icon looks like this:
Click to: Show yourself on video (the icon will have no line through it) or hide your video (which means your camera is off and the icon will have a line through it)
The Chat icon looks like this:
Use chat to type messages instead of speaking. Example:"I am unable to speak today but can respond in the chat."
The Raise Hand icon looks like this:
Use this feature if you would like to ask a question or contribute.
The React icon looks like this:
Use this feature if you would like to react to things said e.g. thumbs up
The Leave Meeting icon looks like this:
Click the red phone icon when you wish to leave the meeting.
We will record the meeting to aid us with making notes. The recording will be deleted when the notes are distributed. You will know when we are recording as this will appear on the screen :
Making Teams Easier to Use
If speaking is difficult you can:
Use the chat function to type messages
Use text-to-speech software if you have it.
If using your hands is difficult you can:
Prepare messages in advance
Use a touchscreen
Use a larger mouse or adaptive equipment
Use voice control if available on your device
If fatigue is an issue you can:
Join from a comfortable position
Turn your camera off when needed
Take breaks if required - notes will likely be sent out after the meeting for you to read.
Ask someone to help you set up the meeting
Using Live Captions:
Live captions can be particularly helpful if:
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Speech is difficult to hear
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Audio quality is poor
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You become tired during the meeting
To turn captions on:
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Select More (...)
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Choose Turn on live captions
The spoken conversation will appear as text on your screen.
Helpful Tips!
Before the Meeting:
Test your microphone and camera.
Have any communication aids ready.
Join a few minutes early if possible - if there are any issues, please contact TONiC on 0151 556 3693.
During the Meeting:
Use chat if speaking becomes tiring.
Don't hesitate to ask for information to be repeated!
If You Become Tired:
Turn off your camera.
Communicate via chat only.
Take a short break if needed
Common Problems
I can't hear anyone!
Check your volume settings.
Check your headphones or speakers.
Leave and rejoin the meeting.
People can't hear me!
Check that your microphone is not muted.
Move closer to your microphone.
Use chat if speaking is difficult.
My video isn't working!
Check that your camera is switched on.
Close any other apps using the camera.
Rejoin the meeting.
My internet connection is poor!
Turn off your camera.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if possible.
Rejoin the meeting if disconnected.
If you are having difficulties with Teams please contact the TONiC team between 9am and 4pm. Contact details are here.
We'll do our best to help you, and can arrange a practise meeting so you can familiarise yourself with Teams.