Following the COVID-19 pandemic, almost nobody is unfamiliar with FaceTime and Zoom. In many cases, these video community platforms defined a few years of our lives. As we depart the days of the pandemic, video chatting and video conferencing most certainly appears to be here to stay, and in many scenarios allows an interconnectivity not available to previous generations. While this modern technology allows us to be more globally connected as a people than ever before, it also can, at times, be a difficult space to maintain interest. But fear not! Here are four ways to make FaceTime and Zoom more interesting during your next long-distance call.
- Be Intentional
While intentionality should be a factor in almost any type of social interaction, it is especially applicable in terms of FaceTime and Zoom meetings. The truth is, in a physical, or rather in-person meeting, there are plenty of opportunities for the world around us to create interest. Whether it be a place, or an event, physicality has its own sense of purpose.
When we engage in community over the virtual medium, it is crucial that we bring that intentionality with us. This means that any time you are entering a FaceTime or Zoom interaction, you have a definitive plan for what is to be accomplished during that time. Of course you may be simply catching up with a friend. If this is the case, you come with the intentionality to do that very thing. If it is a work meeting, you are prepared for the topics.
Whatever you do over the Zoom or FaceTime mediums, understand what it is you are trying to do with your time, and come prepared for that. This will make that time not only more full, but also more interesting.
2. Play a Game
Many of us have relationships that extend beyond our immediate circles; friends and family who live in different cities, states, or even countries. Thanks to softwares like FaceTime and Zoom, we are easily able to maintain our relationships and connections with those beyond our physical reach. However, without “things to do,” many of us struggle to keep those relationships, and the interactions we have remotely exciting.
A great way to maintain interest and excitement with long-distance relationships over FaceTime and Zoom is to play games! There are a number of great games to play on FaceTime and Zoom that can help you continue to develop your long distance relationships, and keep the time spent interesting.
Some great games to play over FaceTime and Zoom include Pictionary, Scattergories, Charades, or even board games that you both set up in your separate locations. FaceTime specifically even offers drawing functions within the app that allow you and your friends and family to play games like Pictionary within the app.
Hosting game nights with distant friends and family over FaceTime or Zoom is one of the most intentional ways to maintain healthy, exciting relationships.
3. Prepare for the Interaction
While this goes hand in hand with intentionality, it deserves its own focus. Have interactions scheduled, and prepare for them. If you are doing a FaceTime or Zoom call with an old friend and are looking to catch up, know what it is you want to ask them about, know what you would tell them about your own life.
Coming to interactions with obvious preparedness not only helps them go more smoothly, but also lets your friends and family know that you care. This also makes it easier to schedule interactions in the future.
4. Group Calls and Get-Togethers
Especially over video call mediums like FaceTime and Zoom, it can be tough to entertain a conversation between just two people. Among the best ways to keep FaceTime and Zoom calls interesting is to get a group of friends or family together. This is certainly easier if you are utilizing laptops rather than smartphones, but having a number of people on allows the conversation to move in multiple directions, and evolve more organically.
A great way to use the group hangout on these applications is to schedule events. Consider having a cocktail party, cooking a meal together from remote locations, or having a game night over zoom. This gets everyone involved and can create a great long-distance group experience.
Discover What Works
Whatever method you use for bringing interest to your FaceTime and Zoom calls, you have to experiment until you find what works best for you. This means that some things may fail, and some may work. Regardless of what you do, don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust to what feels best for you, your team, your friends, or your family. These services are all about connectivity, and achieving that is the ultimate goal.
