Hangouts are by far my favourite feature on Google+. It can be a little intimidating to get started with hangouts. I suggest you join a few before you organize your own session and perhaps play around with a friend to get the “hang” of it.

If you aren’t on Google Plus yet, please go to my last post How To Get Started With Google+ where you will find simple instruction videos to help you through the process

As you can see in the video above there are a few things you need to do to get started:

Before you can join your first hangout you have to complete a few simple setup steps:

•  You may have to download the  Google+ Video Chat Plugin
• Review and agree to the legal terms that pop up

You are ready to hang out  

On  the right hand of your Google+ Home screen you see this botton.

Click on “Hang Out”

Google then asks you to name your Hangout and you can add either participants or whole circles to your session by typing +Name

By default your video conversation can only be seen by you and the people that you invited. During the session you can keep adding more participants by inviting them. If you would like to stream your Hangout to your YouTube channel for others to watch (called “Hangouts On Air”) you have to verify your YouTube account.

Let’s try a Google Hangout live and in person!

Click on the Image to go to the event recording!

To join a Hangout either go to your invitation or click on the “Hangout” button in the left sidebar. If you do this close to the start time of your hangout you should see it on the Hangout page

Are you ready to go? No? Ask your question in the comments.

Some technical hints:

• In larger hangouts you may need to mute your microphone
• Turn down your speakers or use headphones so there is no echo

Oh, and one more thing…… unless you turn off your video you are on camera – better make sure that you present yourself the way you want others to see you

Finally: Please circle me (connect with me) on Google+ 

Related articles

• Google+ – a quick-start guide
• Smart Business Applications of Google+ Hangouts You’re Missing Out On
• How To Get Started With Google+

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Frithjof

Owner at Tweet4ok Social Media Services

Frithjof is the founder of Tweet4Ok. He helps businesses, organizations and individuals use Social Media Tools more effectively. He knows that we can use Social Media tools like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the many others for marketing but the real power of these tools is the ability to create powerful Social Networks.

@Tweet4ok

Business Consultant for digital media marketing integration. Helping you build better Networks by using Social Media Tools. Guest blogger @SteamFeedcom

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