10 Professional Tips For Effective Virtual Meetings
1. Begin With A Plan:
Begin preparing for the meeting, get all the details including the meeting date, time, duration, link, id, password and the particular software or programme that will be used for the meeting, if you don’t have that software and you don’t know how it works be sure to get it and learn how it works before the meeting date and time.
2. Be Ready To Reroute Network:
Network can be so erratic, you can’t have 100% guarantee of stability. Don’t live by the assumption that it will not disappoint. You must be ready to switch networks should anything happen. Ensure you can reroute to an alternative internet service provider with ease.
3. Be Data Conscious:
It can be embarrassing and devastating to be cut off from a meeting because of insufficient data. This can be more embarrassing if you are the speaker, the host or the moderator. Confirm the meeting duration and cross-check if your available data will be enough.
4. Ensure You Have Constant Power Supply:
You need to take power supply into consideration when planning to either host or attend a virtual meeting. If you are using a laptop PC or phone ensure they are fully charged.
5. Create Your Meeting Space:
In today’s culture of virtual meetings you need to create a space for your meetings, this could be a small spot well lighted and free from noise and distractions. This will improve your overall video quality and it will make you appear professional.
6. Join The Meeting On Time:
I’m aghast to know that even in this era of virtual meetings people still show up late to events. Sometimes I wonder if it was internet traffic or rainfall that delayed them. Showing up early earns you some respect.
7. Watch Your Posture:
Your body posture and the way you compose yourself in front of your camera will tell your audience a lot about you. It can tell your audience and the other participants that you are confident or you’re tensed. It can tell them you’re knowledgeable about the topic at hand or not.
8. Eliminate Distractions:
Be sure to put your phone on silent mode, resist the urge to check who is calling and what’s happening on social media while the meeting is on. Avoid unnecessary hands and eye gestures. Distractions from you can completely demoralise your audience and other participants.
9. Stay Professional:
Avoid some unethical behaviours like yawning without covering your mouth, sneezing into your hands, coughing with mouth wide open, poking your ears, fiddling with some items and taking phone calls while the meeting is on.
10. Stick To The Meeting Agenda:
Don’t use the meeting time to introduce a discussion that is unconnected to the agenda, avoid bringing your private life to the discussion. By all means stick to the meeting agenda. It will save you your data and time.
