5 easy ways anyone can feel confident and be more impactful in online meetings

Here are 5 simple tips I've learnt from 10,000 hours of presenting shark stories online.

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1 - Your voice matters (more than your video)

Ensure your audience stays engaged with clear and crisp audio.

In a world full of distractions and short attention spans, it's easy for your audience to tune out.

Unclear audio is frustrating and tiring.

Your next great idea needs everyone’s attention.

Here's how:

• Use a plug-in microphone (the headphones that came with your phone work great).

• Or, consider buying a lapel or USB microphone for portable, high-quality sound.

  • Use your regular computer speakers - the built in echo cancellation is magic!

  • I use the Rode Lavalier GO

Avoid:

• 'Standard' wireless headphones as microphones; they're great for listening but not for speaking.

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2 - Frame yourself properly.

Avoid awkward angles or distracting backgrounds.

Our eyes are drawn to 4 main points in any photo or video.

Create a more pleasing view by dividing our screen into 9 boxes as below.

Use the Rule of Thirds

Align your eyes with the top horizontal line, ideally just off centre with one eye on the top left, or right intersection

(It's okay if the top of your head is slightly cut off.)

Position your webcam at head height,

and place your head near the top of the screen.

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3 - Stay connected and powered up.

Plug it in. All of it!

Always keep your devices plugged in for maximum efficiency. Relying on battery power reduces computing capacity.

Use direct cables like ethernet and chargers for your laptop, microphone, and continuity camera (iPhone, Android, or DSLR).

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4 - Use a backlight for ambiance.

Invite attendees into your space.

Enhance your virtual environment with a soft, inviting glow placed 2 meters (6 feet) behind you.

Tip: Orange or blue hues, like those from salt lamps, work best.

Use an ultra-low-energy bulb or a cardboard sleeve to reduce brightness.

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5 - Use a Vignette

(rather than, or with, a blurred background).

Download this vignette to bring your audience into your world - it removes distraction and directs attention.

You can add a vignette (and a text overlay, such as your name / position or logo) with powerful free software like OBS Studio.

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Bonus: My packing list

1. Rode Go Lavalier Microphone (plus phone adaptor)

2. Laptop and charger (+ free OBS Studio / paid Ecamm live software)

3. Ethernet cable and adaptor

4. LED Video lights (x2) (±$40 each on Amazon)

Have questions?

Contact Justin

5 ways to feel confident online

I had the surfers ear operation, this is my experience

This is not medical advice - I am not a doctor (I studied fish). 

I am also not earning anything from this article. 

Have questions? Send me an email.

Cape town, South Africa - July 2023

Bilateral Exostoses (Surfer’s Ear) - the Chisel Method.

Take Home: I’d do it again.

The details.

I am quite familiar with Ear Nose and Throat specialists, thanks to my lifelong relationship with hay-fever. Its always the same: avoid dust, pollen, smoke, cats. Use a cortisone spray daily, get a new vacuum… I’ve mostly ignored that advice.

Im also fortunate to have been submerged in an ocean, almost daily, for the last 14 years. Im a marine biologist, happiest living by the tides. And the wind. There’s a lot of wind in Cape Town.
Sun protection is a must, ear protection is a somewhat newer concept.

Exostoses are multiple, benign bony growths within the external auditory canal in response to repeated exposure to cold water. Basically, your ear canal closes over time, assumedly to stop cold water from reaching your ear drum. These growths can be removed surgically by chisel, drill or ultrasonic blade.

Why did I have the op?

I was plagued by constant bouts of painful ears, minor infections - general discomfort. Made worse each time I got into the ocean. I could not find any ear plugs that worked, and diving was almost not an option anymore.

I was nervous to surf bigger waves, to dive and photograph Cape Town’s remarkable kelp forests. I avoided wetting my ears in the shower. My enthusiasm to get into the water was curbed by my nervousness of getting my ears wet.

One particularly bad infection lead me to an ENT who confirmed the exostoses. Lets call it 80 & 85% closed on the left & right ears respectively (its hard to tell exactly as your ear canal is bendy).

The arrival of our newborn baby girl (Charlie Grace) meant that I needed to be home for a while. 

I got sign off from my wife and pulled the trigger.

The build up.

I visited 3 Ear, Nose & Throat specialists for this particular case, sort of by mistake.

The first seemed a little too self-assured and was vague about which method they’d use. I also wasn’t sure what to ask. But they did show me my ear canal with a nifty usb mini-camera - available online apparently. I also learnt that ear canals are not pretty.

The Second ENT has stopped using the Rotary Drill Method as there is concern over the high-pitched sound of a drill damaging one’s eardrum. The Rotary drill is more of a cutter than a drill. They also only operated on one ear at a time which would mean 2 x hospital visits, 2 x doses of general anaesthetic and 6 months out of the water.

They referred me to Dr Gary Kroukamp who specialises in The Chisel Method.

The coffee table in Dr Gary Kroukamp’s waiting room is an old, solid, door with a solid glass top. Its quite beautiful, but also “incredibly heavy" according to his secretary.

He ushers me into his office and takes a look in my ears, confirming what I already knew: ‘its time for the op’.

I was concerned that my ears may have received more abuse than most, he nodded but did not seem phased. He suggested we do both ears at the same time, next week. “You’ll be home the same day, and back in the water in 2 weeks”. TWO WEEKS!? Hmm.. too good to be true?

The procedure - The Chisel Method

Dr Kroukamp accesses the offending bone(s) with 2 types of chisels, pictured below. They’re actually quite beautiful, razor sharp, heavy in your hand. Chisels mean that there is no need to ‘butterfly’ your ear open to gain access, as per other methods. He goes in down your existing ear canal, hence the speedy recovery.

Compared to drilling, the chisel method seems a no brainer. It requires light tapping to chip away what is actually a tiny bump of bone. Plus, not requiring surgery to open up and access the ear canal means a less invasive procedure.

I was concerned to learn that its apparently quite normal for ear drums to be nicked during the surgery - about 1-in-10. But a clean slice from a chisel is often less damaging than a drill, that could rip the eardrum, normally healing within 2 weeks, so I’m told.

Exostoses chisels used for my ‘surfers ear’ operation.

How much did it cost?

Total cost: R44,714.00

This procedure can be done at a regular hospital or a day hospital / clinic, each with their own rates. I had my operation at Harbor bay day clinic in Simonstown, Cape Town - it was cheaper than going to a ‘regular’ hospital.

Check with your doctor, medical aid and/or gap cover.

Breakdown:
Initial consult (cash):

• Dr Kroukamp, ENT: R1,400.00

Surgery (covered by Discovery Health Coastal Core Medical Scheme, I did not need to claim from my Gap cover):

• The anaesthetist: R9,253.00 ZAR

• Dr Kroukamp - Ear Nose & Throat surgeon: R12,184.00 ZAR

• Harbour Bay day clinic: R21,876.00* ZAR

  *Medical Aid did not pay R1.27 of this.

Dr Kroukamp’s rooms (This is not the theatre).

The Day of:

“You look ready to run”

“I am”

“Ok, let’s play a game - we’ll give you some of this stuff (anaesthetic) and see how far you get”…

(I was taken home by my wife 6 hours later.)

I really dislike hospitals - its not my natural habitat. I was nervous. I arrived at the day clinic at 7am, first in line, was checked in and waited. I could have run a mile. I was wheeled in to theatre at 8am and finished up at 10:30am (apparently).

At 1:30pm I awoke, groggy, reeling. I would not have been capable of driving home. I was given instruction to keep my ears dry until the checkup a week or so later, to change the cotton wool daily and call if I had any questions.

I was shuffled to the car, driven home, taken inside and fell asleep for the afternoon. I woke for dinner, took a painkiller, and slept the rest of the night. That night my ears bled on my pillow (hint: cover your pillow with a towel for a few days).

3 hours after the procedure in Harbour Bay medical centre. Dazed.

Day 2: I woke up late expecting sharp pain in both ears but was surprised how little pain I felt. Everything was muffled due to the pack* and cotton wool in each ear. I was OK! No dizziness, nausea or (serious) pain.

*Both ears were packed with some kind of ‘pressure pack’ to aid healing. Charlie’s 1month old cries were muffled for 2 weeks, but I had no bandages, stitches, or serious pain. Having to sleep on my back for 2 weeks was the biggest physical inconvenience.

2 days later: Sounds continue to be muffled, especially when multiple people talk at once. The odd occasional short, sharp, jolt of pain. I was still surprised by how little pain I felt, and almost no bleeding. Is it still coming?
I did take over-the-counter pain killers twice in the week following the procedure, I could have gone without.

1 week later: The follow-up appointment. Dr Kroukamp took out the pack, painlessly. There was much less ‘stuff’ in there than it felt like. I was expecting a thumb size pack of cotton wool - it looked more like tiny bits of washed up beach plastic. I was sent on my way with 5 days of antibiotic drops to be used twice a day. Call or whatsapp if I have any questions.

I felt pretty near recovered at this stage - no pain or bleeding, no anaesthetic aftereffects, and a week of rest and healthy living.

2 weeks later: A 10minute checkup, with a tympanometer to check my ear drum integrity and sign off that Dr Kroukamp was happy with the recovery - I could now get my ears wet.

3 weeks later: I went snorkelling! Ok, so I did wait an extra week, just to be sure. It felt a little strange getting water in my ears for the first time in more than a year, but there were no hassles - it was fantastic. I do now dive with sticky tack in both ears, having perfected the art of sculpting an ear shaped, purge-able, plug.

The following day I surfed one of my favourite waves, and was barrelled on my last wave. When enthusiasm outweighs skill I believe this a rare sign of more productive ocean adventures to come, and a job well done. Lucky fish.

Thank you Dr Gary Kroukamp for renewing my underwater enthusiasm.

See you on the water, or sign up to get more of this in my fortnightly email briefing.

7 Fascinating Shark Facts

Freediver and Silvertip Shark. © Justin Blake

Sharks have long been the embodiment of oceanic mystery and power. From their ancient origins to their unparalleled senses, these majestic creatures continue to captivate our imaginations. In this article, we will delve into the world of sharks, uncovering seven mind-blowing facts that highlight their incredible adaptability, astonishing abilities, and remarkable behaviours.

Love Sharks? Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist for a 1 hour online Experience for kids classes, families events and corporate teams.

Ancient Survivors:

Sharks boast an awe-inspiring evolutionary legacy, dating back over 400 million years. This makes them older than dinosaurs, and they have remarkably survived multiple mass extinctions. With their ability to adapt to various environments, sharks have diversified into over 500 different species. The frilled shark, one of the oldest surviving shark species, has remained virtually unchanged for the past 80 million years. This longevity and resilience showcase their status as true survivors of the deep. Read why Great White sharks outlived Megalodons in The Conversation.

Super Senses:

Sharks possess an extraordinary array of senses that contribute to their exceptional hunting prowess. While their sight is keen, their sense of smell is particularly remarkable. Equipped with olfactory bulbs, sharks can detect tiny traces of blood in the water, but only if there is a scent trail leading them to the source, like a trail of breadcrumbs.

In addition to their sense of smell, sharks possess specialized receptors known as ampullae of Lorenzini (image above). These small jelly-filled pores, scattered on their snouts, enable them to detect electrical fields produced by living organisms. This unique electroreception assists them in finding hidden or buried prey, much the same as a metal detector allows us to find lost jewellery and coins.

Swift Swimmers:

Most sharks can swim at an average speed of 5 miles per hour (8 km/h). The more streamlined the body and the more lunar, or half-moon', the tail, the more speed it can gather (think great white shark tail).

One standout among these swift swimmers is the shortfin mako shark. Often referred to as the cheetah of the sea, this species can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h), making it one of the fastest fish in the ocean. With such agility, makos can pursue agile prey like tuna and swordfish in the deep, open ocean.

Watch Harvard professor George Lauder sharing the various parts of shark anatomy.

Ever-Replacing Teeth:

Sharks are famous for their rows of sharp teeth, which vary from species to species. Unlike humans, sharks do not have rooted teeth. Instead, their teeth are embedded in multiple rows, with new teeth constantly developing to replace the old ones. A single shark can shed thousands of teeth over its lifetime, and some species may produce as many as 21,000 teeth! This remarkable adaptation ensures that sharks teeth are always sharp.

The shape of shark teeth varies depending on the species and diet. For example, the great white shark's teeth are large, serrated, and designed to cut through large prey like seals. In contrast, the teeth of the whale shark, the largest fish in the world, are small and numerous, as they primarily feed on plankton and very small fish. This incredible diversity of dental adaptations allows different shark species to thrive in a wide range of ecological niches.

Remarkable Migrations:

Sharks undertake some of the most awe-inspiring migrations in the animal kingdom, traveling vast distances between their breeding and feeding grounds each year, sometimes arriving or leaving on the same date each year!

Frankie the bull shark swam 1500 miles from her Summer to her Winter home, and back, every year for 4 years, passing the exact same location on the same date 3 years in a row (Have you seen our shark tracker?).

One of our tagged Tiger sharks, Seriea, swam 18000 miles in 16 months. That’s almost 7 times across the US and is a world record - the longest track ever recorded for a Tiger shark.

Ecological Keystone Species:

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate populations of prey species, preventing imbalances. By culling the weak and sick individuals, sharks contribute to the overall health and diversity of the marine environment. Their absence has cascading effects on food chains and ecosystems.

A basic food web and how sharks enable oceans to heal. See more like this at www.airbnb.com/shark

Ancient Legends and Cultural Significance:

Sharks have left an indelible mark on human culture throughout history. Revered in various mythologies and folklore, they hold symbolic significance in cultures around the world. For some indigenous communities, sharks represent powerful deities or ancestral spirits. In Polynesian and Hawaiian traditions, sharks are regarded as guardians and protectors of the sea. These cultural connections demonstrate the enduring impact of sharks on human imagination and reverence for the natural world.

Conclusion:

Sharks continue to astonish us by showing us that they can learn and remember, they are able to teach other sharks where to be and when to be there. Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist to see more of these remarkable discoveries.

Here at RockHopper we aim to protect these magnificent predators, ensuring their continued existence for generations to come. Both our in-Person and our Online Experiences support our work. Join us today.

Learn more about sharks in an interactive online Experience with a Real Life Shark Scientist -

What Marine Mammals can you see in Cape Town, South Africa?

If you are looking for an amazing marine wildlife watching destination, look no further than Cape Town, South Africa. This beautiful city is home to marine mammals from dolphins to whales, cape fur seals and even Otter. The best time of year to see marine mammals in Cape Town depends on the species you're hoping to spot.

Dolphins

Dolphins can be seen year-round in the waters off Cape Town.

Among the many interesting dolphins that can be seen in Cape Town, South Africa, is the Heaviside's dolphin. This diminutive creature is one of the rarest dolphins in the world, and is easily distinguished by its small size and distinctive coloration. Heaviside's dolphins are dark gray or black on top, with a light gray or white belly. They typically grow to about six feet in length, making them the smallest dolphin species in the area. These playful animals can often be seen riding the waves near the shore, and are known to interact with humans.

Another interesting dolphin species that can be seen in Cape Town is the bottlenose dolphin. These dolphins are much larger than Heaviside's dolphins, growing to about twelve feet in length. They are also more social creatures, often traveling in large pods. Bottlenose dolphins are gray or bluish-gray on top, with a white belly. They are very acrobatic animals, and are often seen leaping out of the water.

Finally, another intriguing dolphin species that calls Cape Town home is the humpbacked dolphin. These dolphins are named for their large dorsal fins, which give them a humped appearance when they swim. They are dark gray or black. Common Dolphins are another species encountered more regularly in the Summer months, November - May. These are primarily fast-swimming offshore dolphins that can form super groups with 1000's of individuals traveling together. These fast, sleek hunters are exciting to watch as they move through the ocean on the search for food.

Whales

(Psst.. our founder, Justin, had the privilege of working on this remarkable sequence!)

Whales migrate to the area between June and November. If you're interested in seeing whales, some up to 18metres in length and weighing more than 80 tons, then the best time to visit is between June and November. This is when Humpback and Southern Right whales migrate to our waters to give birth.

Species you can readily encounter include southern right whales, Bryde's whales, Orca and humpback whales. Southern right whales can grow up to 18 meters long and weigh over 100 tons and can be seen year-round in the waters off Cape Town, but they are most commonly seen between June and November when large numbers arrive in Cape Town to calve in the sheltered bays. So if you're looking for an amazing wildlife experience, be sure to add whale watching to your itinerary when you visit Cape Town.

Bryde's whales can also be seen in the area, although they are less common than southern right whales. These moderate-sized whales can reach lengths of 12 meters and weigh up to 35 tons.. Humpback whales are typically seen in Cape Town between June and November. During this time, they migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to their breeding grounds off the coast of Africa. These massive mammals can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh as much as 40 tons. There is an annual migration of younger male Humpback whales that form a playful superpod as they move down the West coast of South Africa, made famous by this Netflix sequence that our founder, Justin, had the privilege of working on.

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the largest member of the dolphin family. Cape Town's famous pair - Port and Starboard - are known to be shark hunters, blamed for the disappearance of sharks from certain areas of South Africa. When catching shark species such as great white, seven gill and bronze whaler sharks, normally eating on their liver and heart. They are easily recognizable by their black-and-white coloration and prominent dorsal fin. Orcas are found in all oceans around the world, and typically live in groups, or pods, of around 40 individuals. Though they are most commonly associated with the open ocean, orcas will occasionally venture into coastal waters in search of food.

Seals

Cape fur seals can be seen year-round on the beaches, harbours, and in the water, making them one of the most accessible (and cute!) marine mammals in Cape Town. Elephant seals, such as our yearly visitor, 'Buffel' can be spotted on Duiker island every year, normally from November - April.

No matter what time of year you visit Cape Town, you're sure to have an amazing wildlife watching experience. With its abundance of marine mammals, this beautiful city is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Looking to book a tour? We offer a wide variety of tours that will allow you to see the best of Cape Town's marine wildlife.

Contact us today and we'll be happy to answer all your questions and help you plan the perfect vacation. We hope to see you soon in Cape Town.

What are some of your favorite marine animals? Let us know in the comments below.

Why is Fynbos so diverse?

Fynbos  [ˈfɛinbos] 

Fynbos is a type of vegetation that is found only in a specific area of the world. This area is known as the Fynbos Biome, and it is located around Cape Town, South Africa. Fynbos is unique because it is one of the most diverse biomes on Earth. There are over 6,500 different plant species found in Fynbos, which is more than in any other biome! In this article, we will explore why Fynbos is so diverse and what makes it so special.

A wide range of habitats

One of the reasons why Fynbos is so diverse is because it has a wide range of habitats. These habitats include sandstone mountain slopes, wetlands, woodlands, and heathlands. Each of these habitats has its own unique plants and animals. This means that there is a huge amount of variation within the Fynbos Biome.

Location

Another reason for the diversity of Fynbos is its location. The Fynbos Biome is situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. This region has a Mediterranean-type climate, with warm summers and cool winters. This climate is perfect for plant growth, and it also means that there is a huge variety of plant life.

History

The final reason why Fynbos is so diverse is because of its history. The Fynbos Biome has been around for millions of years, and it has undergone many changes. This long history has allowed plants to evolve and adapt to their environment. This has resulted in a large number of unique plant species.

So, there you have it! These are just some of the reasons why Fynbos is such a diverse biome. If you want to learn more about this amazing place, then be sure to join our Live Tours in and around Cape Town's remarkable natural heritage.

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family if you found it interesting.

P.S.

Sharks are one of the most feared creatures on the planet, but what if we told you that they’re actually quite misunderstood?

Meet Justin Blake, a real life shark scientist who has dedicated over a decade of his life to understanding these amazing creatures. In this virtual Experience, you’ll dive into shark science and conservation from someone who knows them best.

Sharks are crucial for the health of our oceans – and by extension, our planet – so it’s important to learn about them and protect them. With this knowledge in hand, you can help spread awareness and make a difference for sharks everywhere.

See more and read Justin's amazing reviews on www.airbnb.com/shark

How can I save the ocean?

The ocean covers two-thirds of our planet, yet we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the depths of the sea! The ocean is home to an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to huge whales. It provides us with vital resources, such as food and oxygen, and helps to regulate the Earth's climate by sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, storing it permanently in the seafloor.

Yet the health of the ocean is under threat from a variety of sources, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. If we are to protect this vital resource, we must all take action. Here are some simple things you can do to support ocean conservation:

1 - Find (& Support) Your Closest Marine Reserve

Marine Reserves are quite simply that - protected parts of the ocean. We know that these magical places create healthy oceans, even if previously disturbed. The heal. We know where to put them, how to keep them healthy, and how they fill up with life, spillling over into the waters surrounding Marine Reserves. Keen to find your closest Marine Reserve? Check out the amazing interactive MPA Atlas website.

Below is our favourite marine reserve, what’s yours?

 

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2 - Buy Sustainable Seafood

Choose seafood that has been certified as sustainable.

Most fish populations are in decline due to overfishing. But we can make better choices by selecting species that are more sustainable than others. Our seafood choices should be based on the way the animal was caught, how quickly they grow and reach sexual maturity, and historical fishing pressure. As a general rule of thumb you want to choose low on the food chain (herbivores over apex predators).

Here’s a list of the best apps for your country:

South Africa - WWF’s Sassi

U.S.A - Seafood Watch

UK - Good Fish Guide

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3 - Watch What You Flush Down the Drain

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.” ― Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Everything we flush down the drain ends up in the sea. Simply switching out the chemicals that you use in your homes to biodegradable products takes huge pressure off of the ocean, and waterways connecting us to it. From dishwashing skin products - we can choose natural, biodegradable, products.

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4 - Support Ocean Conservation NGO's

(Like The RockHopper Fund)

Running an NGO is tough, particularly one focussed on conservation. Why not reach out to your favourite NGO with an offer to lend a hand. You could volunteer your time and skills, donate (any amount) monthly, join their mailing list or simply follow, like and share their bad shark puns on social media. Actions of support encourages and invigorate the passionate folks taking up the thankless task of turning the tide on ocean destruction.

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5 - Book an Online Experience

What if we told you that sharks aren't actually as dangerous as you think? In fact, they're crucial to the health of our oceans. And what if we could show you how to help protect them?

By booking to Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist, you'll get an up-close look at the world of shark science and conservation, tailored to you. You'll learn about the latest research, discover why sharks are so important, and find out how you can make a difference.

Click here to learn more and read over 1100 5-star reviews for Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and book your next team building experience today! It's sure to be a fin-tastic time!