The perfect video call doesn’t need slides — it needs a reason to smile. Charades on Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime brings real‑world energy to screens with almost no setup. This guide shows you how to frame your camera, manage audio, pick the right mode, and facilitate like a pro so every call feels like a reunion.

Fast setup checklist

• Share a link to your call and ask participants to join from a well‑lit space.
• Encourage laptop or tablet over phones for wider camera angles.
• Test microphones quickly; ask players to keep them unmuted during guessing.
• Open /play in a browser and choose a mode.

Camera and space tips

• Frame from knees up so gestures read clearly.
• Clear a small area; avoid tripping hazards.
• Use indirect light from in front of you, not behind.
• If space is tight, exaggerate facial expressions and upper‑body gestures.

Modes that work best online

• Quick Play: Snappy rounds with a shared scoreboard.
• One Word Per Turn: Slower pace for mixed tech setups.
• Heads‑Up: Great for big laughs — just keep clue givers from talking over each other.

Set the timer to 60–90 seconds and rotate actors swiftly to keep attention high.

Facilitation 101

• Appoint a host to call the order and confirm scores.
• Establish visual signals: fingers for number of words, ear tug for “sounds like.”
• Allow one pass per turn if a prompt stalls.

Word sets for video calls

Choose inclusive, high‑imagination prompts:

• Actions: Whispering, Tip‑toeing, Juggling, Sledding
• Places: Airport, Library, Amusement park, Subway
• Occupations: Lifeguard, Barista, Detective, Astronaut
• Abstract: Plot twist, Time machine, Cliffhanger, Mind blown

Or skip curation and rely on PlayMime’s built‑in word banks.

Common hiccups — and quick fixes

Echo or lag? Ask non‑actors to briefly mute.
Camera too close? Tilt the screen back or step away.
People talking over each other? Name a clue captain to lead the hints.
Energy dip? Shorten rounds and play a hype song between turns.

With a few small tweaks, your regular call becomes a highlight of the week. Send the link, open /play, and start your first round.