In order to use Google+ Hangout, you will first need to install the Google Talk plugin. This can be downloaded and installed at: http://google.com/talk/
You will also need to have a Gmail address and join Google+.
To start a Google+ hangout, look at the right side of your main Google+ page and click 'start a hangout'
![](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout-location.jpg)
![](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout5.jpg)
You can invite specific circles or individuals to join the hangout
![Google Hangout Guide](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout6.jpg)
Joining a Hangout
For those participating in one of my 'Hangout webcasts', I will start a hangout and invite participants. Those who've been invited, should then see a 'Jeff Lebow is hanging out' post in your Google+ Stream. You will also see a red number indicator in the upper right of the screen. You can click that number and then click 'hangout'.
![](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout-notification1.jpg)
![](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout-notification2.jpg)
In either case, click 'Join this hangout'.
![](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout1.gif)
A new window (like the one below) will pop up. Click 'Hang out'.
![Google Hangout Guide](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout3.jpg)
Once you have joined the hangout, you can click 'settings' to adjust camera, microphone, and speaker options.
![Google Hangout Guide](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout2.jpg)
If the changes don't 'take effect', you might need to adjust chat setting via your gmail account (Mail Settings/Chat).
The options at the bottom of the hangout window can be used to mute your mic or video, invite others into the hangout, watch a YouTube video together, or text chat with those in the hangout.
![Google Hangout Guide](https://jefflebow.net/sites/jefflebow.net/files/hangout4.jpg)
Pointers to maximize audio quality during a hangout webcast:
- If you have been watching the webcast before joining in,
MAKE SURE TO PAUSE OR MUTE THE WEBCAST before 'joining the hangout.
- USE A HEADSET MIC. On board mic's work fine for one on one hanging out, but with large hangout groups, not using one can lead to a lot of echo and background noise.
- Use the MUTE MIC option if you're going to be typing. Even with a headset, we will hear typing sounds and other background noises unless you mute your mic. Unmute whenever you'd like to speak.
- Avoid using the Hangout text chat. During webcasts, we always have a public text chat available next to the live stream (pages like Koreabridge.net/live or EFLBridges.net/live It is better to use those because Google+ does not yet have an option to mute system noises. As such, we get a lot of 'dinging' noises if participants use the Hangout chat.
Other Hangout Guides
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