Communicating

Beyond voice and video, Kolab gives you several ways to communicate. Here's how to use chat, reactions, and other tools to participate effectively.

Chat

Chat is your text-based communication channel. All chat messages are visible to everyone in the space (there are no private messages).

Opening Chat

Look for the chat icon (speech bubble) in the control bar. Click to open the chat panel.

Sending Messages

1. Type your message in the text box
2. Press Enter or click the send button
3. Your message appears for everyone

When to Use Chat

@Mentions

Type @ followed by someone's name to mention them. A dropdown will appear with matching names - select the person you want to mention.

Chat Etiquette

• Keep it relevant - Stay on topic for the session
• Be concise - Short messages are easier to read
• Use @mentions - Gets specific people's attention
• Don't spam - One message is enough

Reactions & Emoji

Quick visual responses without interrupting the flow.

Using Reactions

Look for:

• Emoji picker - Click to choose from available reactions
• Quick reactions - Common ones like thumbs up, applause, heart
• Reaction bar - Pre-selected options for fast access

Available Reactions

Where Reactions Appear

Depending on the setup:

• On your video - Shows next to your face
• On the canvas - Appears where you click
• In a reactions bar - Collected in one place

Raising Your Hand

When you want to speak or have a question, raising your hand is the polite way to signal the facilitator.

How to Raise Your Hand

1. Look for the hand raise button (usually ✋ icon)
2. Click it once to raise your hand
3. Your hand appears raised (others and the facilitator can see)
4. Wait to be called on
5. Click again to lower your hand (or it may auto-lower after you speak)

When to Raise Your Hand

• You have a question
• You want to contribute to the discussion
• You need technical help
• You want to respond to something said

Hand Raise Etiquette

• Be patient - The facilitator will get to you
• Lower it if resolved - If your question gets answered
• Don't wave it repeatedly - One raise is enough
• Write context in chat - "Hand raised - question about audio"

Voice Communication

The primary way to communicate in Kolab is through voice, enhanced by spatial audio.

Speaking Tips

• Unmute first - Check you're not muted before speaking
• Speak clearly - Good audio setup helps (see System Check)
• Be aware of proximity - In spatial audio, you're mainly heard by nearby people
• Pause for responses - Give others a chance to react

When You Can't Be Heard

1. Check if you're muted
2. Move closer to the person you're talking to
3. Verify your microphone is working (System Check)
4. Use chat as backup

Video Communication

Your video is more than just showing your face - it's a communication tool.

Camera Best Practices

• Keep it on when possible - Kolab is designed for cameras on
• Good framing - Face centered, shoulders visible
• Good lighting - Face the light source
• Eye contact - Look at the camera occasionally, not just the screen

Non-Verbal Communication

Even without speaking, your video communicates:

• Nodding - Shows understanding or agreement
• Facial expressions - React to what's being said
• Attention - Are you engaged or distracted?
• Presence - Just being visible matters

When to Turn Off Video

It's okay to turn off video briefly if you need to:

• Step away momentarily
• Handle something private
• Deal with a distracting background

Just turn it back on when you return.

Communicating Across Distances

In spatial audio, communication works differently at different distances.

When Close

• Normal conversation works
• You hear each other clearly
• Good for 1:1 or small group discussion

When Far

• Voices fade to silence
• Intentional for multiple simultaneous conversations
• Move closer if you need to hear someone

Getting Someone's Attention at a Distance

If you need to reach someone far away:

1. Chat - Send them a message
2. Move closer - Walk toward them on the canvas
3. Wave/React - If they're looking your way
4. Ask the facilitator - They may have broadcast abilities

Audio Zones

Some spaces have audio zones - areas where different audio rules apply.

How to Recognize Zones

• Visual boundary (colored area, shape)
• Sound changes when entering/leaving
• Facilitator may announce them

Zone Types

Related Guides

• Setting Up Audio & Video - Get your setup right
• Navigating the Space - Moving around for better communication
• System Check - Verify everything works