How to Use Google Hangouts

This post will guide you on the steps to use Google Hangouts effectively.  If you already have a Google account, you will only need to install a Hangouts plugin before you can access the application.

But no worries.  If you don't have a Google Account, simply sign in here.

Sign in on Google account if you have an existing account.

You will be able to see the list of contact and the hangouts icon at the
 left side of your Gmail inbox

a web cam and a computer with a microphone
is important in a video conference

You must also have already installed the Hangouts plugin before you can use the application.  Google will prompt you if you haven't installed it yet.

Make sure that you have a functioning computer or laptop to start with.  

You must also have a webcam and a microphone. 

These two components used to come separately with the computer. But now, most computers are bundled with built in microphone and webcam.

Just make sure they are working fine.

There are two ways of accessing Google Hangouts. One is going directly to https://hangouts.google.com/ or accessing it through your Gmail inbox.

Accessing Hangouts through https://hangouts.google.com/. The list of contact will appear on the
white coloured blank space on the left

To get started in a video call, voice call or message session with someone in your contact, tap on a contact name and a blank screen will appear.  If you are accessing through Gmail, a pop up will appear at the right side of the inbox.  And then tap either of the three buttons (voice call, video call or message) to initiate an invite. 

Hangouts accessed through Gmail inbox.
Tap on the name of contact on the left side of the inbox and a pop up will appear at the
right side of the inbox.  

If your webcam is working, you will be able to see yourself on the screen. You can add
participants by tapping on the first icon on the upper right side of the screen

You can now initiate a call to your contact.

The screen will go blank during the call attempt.

When you initiate a video call, this will appear on screen

When the call is accepted, you may start the video call session.

You may add up to 10 participants at one time (15 with Google at Work).  To invite, you can enter the information of the person you would like to contact and add her into the session.

Enter the name of contact you would like to add

Be reminded that, the more participants you invite to join in the video conference, the audio and video may be delayed depending on your internet bandwidth.  

You can share files, videos, Youtube links during the video conference with the other participants.  They can write their comment for a more constructive discussion.

file sharing and chat function during video conference

I hope this step by step tutorial will be able to help you in some way with Google Hangouts as a tool for video conferencing in the organization.

Read more :

Step 1 : Pre Video Conference Preparation

Step 2 : During a Video Conference Session

Step 3 : Post Video Conference