Whether you’re leading a business meeting, attending an online class, or catching up with friends, virtual platforms like Google Meet and Zoom have become an integral part of our communication landscape. Yet, even the most tech-savvy users find themselves battling an unexpected enemy — background noise. From barking dogs and crying babies to noisy keyboards and unexpected doorbells, noise distractions can derail even the most productive virtual sessions.
In this article, we’ll dive into the essential do’s and don’ts of noise control for Google Meet and Zoom. These best practices will help ensure your virtual presence is clear, professional, and respectful to others. Let’s make background noise a problem of the past.
Why Noise Control Matters
Good audio quality is often more important than video in virtual meetings. If participants cannot hear each other clearly, ideas get lost, discussions are interrupted, and the overall experience becomes frustrating. This is even more critical when attending important business meetings, educational webinars, or remote job interviews, where every word matters.
While platforms like Zoom and Meet have built-in noise suppression features, they aren’t perfect. Therefore, taking proactive steps to reduce noise on your end goes a long way in improving the quality of virtual interactions.
The Do’s of Noise Control
- Invest in a Quality Microphone
While laptop microphones have improved, they can’t match the clarity of a dedicated microphone or a quality headset. A good mic isolates your voice and minimizes ambient noise, resulting in significantly better sound quality. - Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
These not only help you hear others more clearly but also prevent your mic from catching echo or feedback from your own speakers. - Mute When Not Speaking
Perhaps the golden rule of virtual meetings: always mute your mic when you’re not talking. This prevents background noise — typing, stirring coffee, or even breathing too loudly — from disrupting the meeting. - Use the Software’s Noise Suppression Settings
Both Zoom and Google Meet offer built-in noise suppression features. On Zoom, you can adjust this under Settings > Audio > Suppress background noise. On Google Meet, the system will auto-suppress certain noises, but administrators and users can adjust levels in the settings. - Pick the Right Environment
Find a quiet room with minimal background activity. Soft furnishings like carpets and curtains absorb sound reflections, improving clarity. - Perform a Sound Check
Before an important meeting, test your setup. Both platforms allow you to preview your audio. Make sure your mic is picking up your voice clearly, without too much ambient noise.
The Don’ts of Noise Control
- Don’t Assume Silence
Just because your surroundings seem quiet doesn’t mean your mic isn’t picking up subtle noises. Background hums, computer fans, or other electronics can be surprisingly audible. Trust your audio preview over assumption. - Don’t Rely Solely on Software Filters
While noise suppression tools are useful, they can sometimes distort your voice or fail to block certain noises altogether. Always complement them with physical noise control and mic discipline. - Don’t Use Speaker Output with a Hot Mic
This creates a feedback loop or echo that affects everyone. Always use headphones if you anticipate speaking in long meetings. - Don’t Eat or Drink Near the Mic
The sound of sipping tea or chewing a snack may seem harmless to you, but they can be distracting or even off-putting to others in the meeting. - Don’t Type Loudly While Unmuted
Keyboards, especially mechanical ones, are surprisingly noisy. If you need to take notes, either mute yourself or do it on paper or a quieter typing device.
Noise Suppression Tools and Platforms
Here’s a breakdown of what popular platforms offer in terms of noise suppression:
Zoom
Zoom includes adjustable noise suppression levels — Low, Medium, High, and Auto. This lets users choose the best setting based on their environment. You can find these under Settings > Audio > Advanced.
Google Meet
Google Meet automatically applies noise cancellation especially for Workspace users. However, settings can be adjusted in certain account tiers. For casual users, Meet’s automatic suppression typically works well for removing keyboard and background chatter.
Third-Party Tools
For users who want more advanced control, third-party apps like Krisp or NVIDIA Broadcast (for NVIDIA GPU owners) provide AI-based real-time noise suppression. These tools can filter out almost all background sound apart from your voice, even in noisy environments.
Best Practices for Teams and Groups
Hosting or attending a large meeting or webinar requires even more attention to noise control. Here’s how to manage it collectively:
- Set Ground Rules
At the beginning of a large virtual meeting, ask participants to stay muted unless speaking. This dramatically improves the overall experience. - Use Features Like “Mute All”
Hosts on Zoom can mute all participants. On Google Meet, while you can only mute individuals, it’s helpful to appoint a co-host who can help with noise moderation. - Designate Speaking Slots
In group discussions, assigning speaking times or using “raise hand” features helps avoid everyone talking over each other — which can also create unwanted noise overlap.
Child, Pet, and Environmental Noise Solutions
Working from home inevitably brings uninvited sounds. Here are a few ways to minimize them:
- For Children: Communicate your meeting schedule, provide structured activities, and consider noise-blocking partitions.
- For Pets: Feed or walk them before meetings. If necessary, keep them in a separate room during your call.
- For Environmental Noises: Close windows and doors. Use white noise machines or fans to drown out street noise.
Etiquette: Respect Goes Both Ways
Sometimes, technical issues or unpredictable sounds slip through despite our best efforts. If someone else causes noise problems during a call, avoid public embarrassment. Politely alert them via private message or use non-verbal cues if available.
On the other hand, if you’re the host or manager, set clear expectations and provide resources to help your team optimize their setups.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact
In the world of remote communication, being heard clearly is just as crucial as what you have to say. By making a few adjustments to your setup and embracing best practices, you can control noise effectively and ensure a respectful, productive environment for everyone in your virtual space.
Remember: when you’re heard, you’re understood. And in an online meeting, that makes all the difference.