Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that allows users to host online meetings, webinars, and virtual events. As the meeting host in Zoom, you have control over various features, including the ability to change presenters during a meeting.
Table of Contents
Why Change Presenters?
There are several reasons why a host may need to change the presenter in a Zoom meeting:
- Transition between agenda items – If you have different presenters lined up to cover various topics in your meeting, changing presenters allows you to smoothly transition between agenda items.
- Technical issues – Sometimes a presenter may experience technical problems with their audio, video, or screen sharing. As the host, you can make another participant the presenter so the meeting can proceed.
- Better engagement – You may decide that a different presenter would be better able to cover a topic or lead a discussion to boost engagement.
How to Change Presenters
As the meeting host in Zoom, changing presenters is easy to do. Here are the steps:
Promote New Presenter
- Hover over the participant’s video. This will display options to mute, start/stop video, rename, etc.
- Click “More.” This expands the menu.
- Select “Make Co-Host.” This option promotes the participant and gives them presenting capabilities.
Once promoted to Co-Host, that participant can now share their screen, control screen sharing, annotate, etc.
Take Presenter Controls Back
As the host, you keep ultimate control. To take back presenting capabilities:
- Click “Reclaim Host” in the participant menu of the current presenter. This demotes them back to an attendee and makes you the only presenter.
- Or, select “Stop Share” if the current presenter is screen sharing. This will end their presentation and allow you to present.
Switch Between Presenters
- To switch between multiple presenters during a meeting, promote each one to Co-Host when needed.
- Then use “Reclaim Host” on the current presenter to resume control.
- Repeat this process to transition smoothly between presenters.
Presenter Recommendations
To ensure changing presenters is seamless, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan ahead – Inform participants that they will be presenting so they are prepared.
- Limit to 1-2 screens – Don’t bounce back and forth between too many presenters as it disrupts flow.
- Pause sharing to transition – Ask current presenter to pause screen share so next presenter can set up.
- Verbal cues – Announce out loud that you are transitioning for the benefit of all participants.
Advanced Options
In addition to the above basics, Zoom has some advanced features to assist with changing presenters:
- Webinar mode – This dedicated presentation mode allows better control over screen sharing and switching presenters.
- Panelist role – You can pre-assign participants as “Panelists” so they automatically have presenting rights during a webinar.
- Breakout rooms – Change presenters within smaller breakout room sessions for focused discussions.
- Remote control – Take over a participant’s screen sharing controls temporarily as host.
- Spotlight video – Pin the video of the current presenter so their face is prominently displayed.
Conclusion
As the host in Zoom, being able to change the presenter seamlessly is key to running effective meetings. Follow the tips above to transition between presenters, take back controls when needed as host, and keep your participants informed. With some practice, you’ll be able to leverage Zoom’s versatile presenting options to deliver lively, engaging sessions.
The key is planning ahead, limiting disruption, using Zoom’s built-in roles purposefully, and taking advantage of options like webinar mode, breakouts, and remote screen control depending on your needs. Mastering how to change presenters will make you a more dynamic, successful meeting host.
