ESL Podcast 264 – Preparing for a Video Conference

Emiliano: I’m not sure about this video conference today. It’s the next best thing to having a meeting face-to- face, but I’ve never used most of this equipment before.

Fatima: It’s a piece of cake. Do you want to do a run-through with me?

Emiliano: Do you mind? I’d really like to make sure that I know how to work this webcam and microphone.

Fatima: I don’t mind at all. Okay, we have Internet connectivity, so streaming won’t be a problem. The speakers on both computers are turned up.

Emiliano: Do you know how to adjust this webcam? Right now, it’s focused on my right ear!

Fatima: That’s easy. Just use these buttons to zoom¹ in or out, and you can tilt² up or down.

Emiliano: Oh, I see. That’s better. Now you can see my entire face. Are you getting audio on your side?

Fatima: Yes, you’re coming in loud and clear. I think we’re in business.

Emiliano: Well, that wasn’t so hard. Let’s hope it goes this smoothly³ this afternoon.

Fatima: If you have a problem, just give me a call.

Emiliano: Thanks. I really appreciate it!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 zoom   

n.急速上升；v.突然扩大，急速上升

参考例句：

• The airplane's zoom carried it above the clouds.飞机的陡直上升使它飞到云层之上。
• I live near an airport and the zoom of passing planes can be heard night and day.我住在一个飞机场附近，昼夜都能听到飞机飞过的嗡嗡声。

2 tilt   

v.(使)倾侧；(使)倾斜；n.倾侧；倾斜

参考例句：

• She wore her hat at a tilt over her left eye.她歪戴着帽子遮住左眼。
• The table is at a slight tilt.这张桌子没放平，有点儿歪.

3 smoothly   

adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地

参考例句：

• The workmen are very cooperative,so the work goes on smoothly.工人们十分合作，所以工作进展顺利。
• Just change one or two words and the sentence will read smoothly.这句话只要动一两个字就顺了。