Leaders who run great virtual meetings have an advantage. They can meet with more people with a day. They can touch more geographies. They can save themselves effort and time in traveling. How can you increase the impact of your remote meetings to ensure you are optimizing for this format?
Listen to the tips and tricks explain in this lesson on Apple iTunes.
Top Tips for Remote Meetings
1. Schedule Efficiently
Quick Scheduling: Take advantage of the flexibility of virtual meetings to schedule urgent meetings within a day.
Avoid Travel: Save time and costs by conducting meetings virtually, eliminating the need for travel.
2. Optimize Engagement
Use Video: Ensure all participants are on camera to enhance engagement and communication.
Good Lighting: Use natural light or a ring light to make your face clearly visible.
Professional Appearance: Wear attire appropriate for an in-person meeting and stage your background with interesting elements.
3. Ensure Quality
High-Quality Sound: Use a reliable microphone or headset to ensure clear audio.
Effective Visuals: Manage your slides and visual aids to keep them from overwhelming the screen.
4. Maintain Presence
Eye Contact: Position your camera to create a natural connection with your audience.
Posture and Expressions: Maintain good posture and use facial expressions to convey confidence and engagement.
Hand Gestures: Use natural, confident hand gestures to emphasize points without overdoing it.
5. Prepare Thoroughly
Rehearse: Practice in your meeting space to check sound and visual settings.
Check Equipment: Ensure your technology is working properly before the meeting starts.
6. Facilitate Effectively
Use Names: Direct questions to specific individuals to manage discussion flow and encourage participation.
Structured Flow: Run virtual and hybrid meetings more tightly than in-person meetings to maintain focus and engagement.
Manage Pauses: Use pauses effectively to invite participation without leaving too much dead air.
7. Time Management
Divide Content: Use the 2-3-2 rule: two minutes to explain, three minutes for demonstration, and two minutes for debriefing.
Stay Efficient: Avoid belaboring points to keep the meeting dynamic and engaging.
8. Engage Virtual Participants
Make Presence Known: Introduce yourself early if attending virtually and engage directly with in-person participants.
Use Direct Questions: Ask specific questions to involve virtual participants and ensure they feel included.
9. Handle Hybrid Meetings
Rehearse in Space: Check sound and visual settings in the physical space.
Manage Both Audiences: Ensure both virtual and in-person participants are engaged and visible.
Assign Roles: Designate a tech host or facilitator to manage the virtual audience and handle technical issues.
10. Optimize Interaction
Use Mute/Unmute Effectively: Facilitate discussions by managing mute and unmute functions smoothly.
Prepare for Technical Issues: Have a backup plan for technical difficulties, such as assigning a tech host to manage issues.
Apply these tips to elevate your remote meetings, making them as effective and engaging as in-person interactions.
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