ZOOM IN FOR A QUIZ YULE ALL ENJOY
THE Zoom quiz, a big feature of lockdown back in March, is due a festive comeback. It’s a great way to connect with family and friends who can’t pop round for mulled wine or a slice of yule log.
James Oakley, better known as Glaswegian pub quiz host Sir James, offers tips on hosting the ultimate festive quiz via your laptop.
● Have an uncluttered background so as not to distract from your amazing self.
● You don’t need to do complicated screen sharing and audio-visual movie clips if you are not confident with the technology. Make sure you know how it all works before you start.
● Tell teams the keyboard shortcuts they might need. In Zoom, they can hold down the space bar to unmute and let go again to put the safety back on – then no one will overhear their answers.
● Lean forwards and encourage everyone to get their face in their camera. It will feel more intimate, engaging and everyone will feel more involved.
● Get everyone involved. Ask people to show you what they are drinking or wearing before they start.
● Give two points for a correct answer and one point for nearly correct. Use a spreadsheet that adds it up for you.
● Double check answers to avoid arguments.
● Start with a few easy questions that your audience will get right.
● Mix up the question formats. What year did all these things happen is always a good one.
● Try to make some of the answers ungoogleable – for example, what is a musical, a racing driver and a town in South Lanarkshire? Only the human brain comes up with Hamilton.
Sir James hosts a weekly prize quiz at www. glasgowpubquiz.com