is it possible for the host of a zoom call to keep a person muted even after they are asked to speak

[Jacquie2]

I attended a meeting last night with many people muted. When it came time for homeowners to speak, we were individually called On. Two of the most outspoken people against the board were called onto to speak, but they were unable to unmute themselves. Both of them are very techy and at one point, they one of them was unable to unmute and all of a sudden she muted again, not without touching anything herself so my question is is it possible for the host to block an individual from speaking even after they tell them to speak?  Can it be done permanently or would the host simply mute them again after they have unmuted?  Thank you for your help.

[Ray_Harwood · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Zoom Community, @Jacquie2.

Without knowing an incredibly large number of details about who did what and when, it's impossible to know exactly what happened.  Is it possible for a Meeting Host to turn on a setting that disallows EVERYONE but Hosts and Co-Hosts from unmuting?  Yes, that's absolutely possible -- in fact it's recommended in a case where the attendees get out of control.  Is it "permanent"?  No... but it generally does require that the host click the "Ask to Unmute" menu item on any attendee to "break the lock" for them.  Perhaps that is what was done, and the affected person inadvertently clicked the mute button, not realizing they're been given permission to speak.

[MGSR]

Hi @Jacquie2!

Welcome to the Zoom Community! Glad to see you here!

Did you see the response from @Ray_Harwood?
If it has resolved your inquiry, please press the Accept as Solution.

Should you need further assistance, please let us know.

Have a great day!

[kylecage]

It sounds like the hosts were using the "ask to unmute" option where a host or co-host has to send the participant an unmute request when it's their turn to speak. If there were multiple hosts/co-hosts, one of them might've hit the button right after someone else already did and the person had just unmuted themselves, only to immediately be re-muted. 

But yes, with these security settings, only hosts and co-hosts can mute and unmute people, so it is possible for someone to accidentally mute someone even when they're supposed to be speaking.

[MGSR]

Hello @Jacquie2 

I have marked @Ray_Harwood's answer as a solution.
Should you need further assistance, please let us know.

Have a great day!