Zoom and other comparable video chat services became the de facto venue for all essential meetings as the coronavirus pandemic started sweeping the world early last year. From children to adults, every person was forced to steadily turn to virtual communication to continue their organization and education. However, they quickly realised video chats could be difficult to use. Over the previous year, there have been several situations of persons becoming caught on video producing funny blunders, mostly since they have been ill-equipped to transition to this mode of communication as swiftly as other people.
These moments — captured when persons believed they have been off-camera or muted — gave us a window to some behind-the-scenes entertaining and some hilarious Zoom fails. They have also brought a smile to our faces, even when there is tiny else to laugh about.
Let’s have a look at some of the funniest videos that will make you giggle. They might also give a couple of suggestions on what not to do through video calls with good friends or colleagues.
Shirtless on camera: In May 2020, a businessman accidentally appeared naked through a Zoom get in touch with with Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. He apparently forgot to turn his camera off even though taking a shower through the video get in touch with. A screengrab from the meeting, which was attended by quite a few other officials and businessmen, shows the man without the need of his shirt.
Brasil. En pleno zoom entre Bolsonaro y empresarios uno de ellos se estaba duchando .!!! pic.twitter.com/t6J6Hy4zO1
— Andrés Repetto (@andresrepetto) May 14, 2020
Upside down look: A US Republican congressman floated into a Zoom meeting upside down in February this year, drawing laughter from other participants. Representative Tom Emmer did not straight away realise he was appearing upside down to his colleagues and started speaking as if practically nothing was incorrect.
“At least he’s not a cat.”
During a House Financial Services get in touch with,
Congressman Tom Emmer had some problems today.Rep. Maxine Waters: “Mr. Emmer? Are you okay?” pic.twitter.com/IWvU2bZISm
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 10, 2021
Daughter crashes mom’s interview: In another video from last year, a child interrupted a live interview on BBC News. Dr Clare Wenham, a global health policy expert from the London School of Economics, was speaking about lockdowns when her young daughter appeared in the background and demanded to know from mother who she was speaking to.
ABSOLUTE SCENES ON THE BBC NEWS CHANNEL pic.twitter.com/hvu9iWkkIz
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) July 1, 2020
Driving while pretending to work: This month, Ohio State Senator Andrew Brenner tried to conceal he was driving a vehicle during a virtual meeting on introducing laws on dangerous and distracting driving whose consequences can be fatal. The senator tried filters to make it look as if he was at his home during the meeting but the clearly visible seat belt gave away his actual location. He received severe criticism for this.
What gave it away? The seatbelt, the blur, or his need to look left and right
Rep Ohio State Sen. Andrew Brenner outed for driving while on a virtual meeting. He tried to use a picture of an office as the background to hide the fact that he was actually driving.
DOH pic.twitter.com/BWP3Ab5ocm
— DrawOutsideTheLines (@lines_draw) May 6, 2021
Where’s the unmute button? During a virtual press meet, journalist Robert Peston forgot to press the unmute button before asking a question to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Mr Johnson then alerted him but by the time Peston was ready, the prime minister had moved onto the next question.
Robert Peston on mute? A Christmas miracle pic.twitter.com/fNLiPvKfhM
— Salman (@_SalmanAnwar) December 24, 2020
Not a great ending to an interview: During a morning TV show, former British PM Gordon Brown was caught slam-shutting his laptop computer. Gordon appeared to be saying something but the programme host did not realise. A little awkward ending to the show.
This is how all interviews on TV should end. pic.twitter.com/flq8H3BC4O
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 11, 2020
What has been your most funny Zoom meeting moment? Tell us in the comments section below.