Guide to Virtual Meetings

Virtual meetings are much more common now in the corporate world.

Even the large blue chip companies are conducting them regularly.

Every week I am meeting with companies who are reducing their real estate footprint and allowing more employees to work less in the office while reducing corporate overhead costs.

The reality is that this movement is not a short sighted trend, this movement will continue and accelerate so it is imperative that companies and employees make the adjustments necessary to ensure these meetings are as productive and as effective as possible.

1.

As with regular meetings where effective presenters try to construct 10 minute segments in order to keep people focused and fresh, this same approach should also be taken for virtual meetings.

It is important to encourage participants to stand up and stretch so that they can get ready to re-focus on the next 10 minute segment.

2.

It is important to ask everyone in the meeting for input.

Try to avoid the common pitfall where people place their phones on mute while they half listen to the discussion while they are doing some other activity.

Smaller group size meetings are obviously more effective, but try to engage everyone in the discussion.

At the very least, be like that unorthodox high school history teacher who would ask random people questions at virtually any moment.

3.

It is often difficult to identify emotions when not meeting in person and over great distance.

Therefore, expressing emotions verbally is key.  Some people are good at this while others need to direct more effort in this area.

It is often difficult for people to read others in a virtual setting so be as verbally transparent as possible when emotions are difficult to interpret.

4.

Make sure that the lighting is strong. Use fluorescent bulbs whenever possible to keep things bright which also helps increase audience engagement levels.

5.

Look directly at the camera. Don't watch the monitor or watch yourself. The camera represents the other persons eyes so make sure that looking into the eyes of your audience is a priority.

Farewell,

Mike