As virtual meetings statistics show constant growth of such type of interaction, we all need to know how to succeed in this relatively new field of human activity. No matter if you’re attending an online job interview or discussing a recent Firefly launch with your friends, the following 10 tips will help you end up satisfied with the conversation. Read more to learn how you can improve the whole process and make it engaging.
1. Proper Preparation
You need to be involved and pay attention. Make sure your family won’t distract you while you’re in a meeting. Choose a quiet room, put other activities aside, and engage in conversation with your online interlocutors, concentrating on what they say.
2. Technical Check-up
Your connection should be stable, the mic and earphones properly connected, as well as your camera if you’ll be having a video chat. There are multiple types of things people discuss online these days, but be it the work conference or virtual recovery meetings, you don’t want to be interrupted by technical issues.
3. Make Sure Your Virtual Meetings Software Is Up-To-Date
The number of online platforms hosting virtual meetings is quite impressive these days. The platforms are currently improving as the demand for more options and features is high; hence, they receive updates very often. Before you connect to your meeting, ensure you’re using the latest version of your software.
4. Dress Properly
There are various types of virtual meetings; however, you need to be dressed well for any of them if the camera is involved. Especially if this is a working meeting. We’ve all have been laughing at funny videos of people jumping up from their desks to address a certain issue wearing just a shirt and underwear. While watching others messing up might be ridiculous, you don’t want to join this squad. So, dress properly, and when your child or pet tries to interrupt your meeting, you won’t make a fool of yourself.
5. Background Matters
Again, let’s remember some viral photos of people attending video conferences with their background displaying things nobody wants to be caught with on a virtual meeting. Do the check and ensure your background is neutral and suitable for the type of meeting you’re going to participate in.
6. Set Some Rules for the Conversation
How to make virtual meetings more interactive and productive? The situation when the conversation is constantly ruined with everybody speaking simultaneously happens a lot. Don’t leave such issues unattended. Begin with claiming simple conversational rules, for example, that a person speaks only after their name is called. This is especially important when you’re the host. Put some effort in arranging a proper moderation for the event for everyone to have an opportunity to be heard and not to miss anything.
7. Voice Your Expectations
If you have a virtual meeting that is set to achieve a certain goal, be vocal about it. If your interlocutors need to be prepared for a specific topic or be able to operate facts and numbers, get sure they’re aware of that. The situation where you’re showering them with new information demanding immediate answers rarely gets you anywhere near the point you want to reach. As with the meetings in real life, let people be ready for what you’ll be discussing.
8. Set the Timing
Talking about virtual meetings’ pros and cons, people often mention it seems like having no end. Besides the stuttering conversation and reconnection issues, we still don’t have the universal protocol for such type of interaction. Sometimes it gets weird with everyone staring into the screen, hesitating whether it’s time to disconnect already or there’s a need to wait for others to recollect their thoughts. Set a strict time frame and stick to it.
9. Skill up for the Activity
You might want to train yourself a little in order to perform better at virtual meetings. Due to the various connection issues, good articulation and pronunciation might work wonders drawing attention to what you say. Try not to gabble and gibber; speak clearly and confidently to convey your message.
10. Be Present and Show it
While it may seem odd because looking at the face of your interlocutor is more logical for most of us, get the habit of looking at the camera from time to time. This way, the person on the other side will get a direct look from you, which is essential for engaging in conversation. They will feel you’re paying attention and keeping up with what’s going on.
Conclusion
Online communication went very popular last few months as remote work spreading fueled by the lockdown reached the unseen level. With our tips for productive virtual meetings, you may escape common mistakes and even enjoy the process. Do you have something to add? Please share your experience!
Author’s Bio:
Emily Moore is an English & programming teacher with a passion for space and blogging. She believes that current exploration should be focused on preserving our planet’s resources. With satellites circling the orbit, it is easier to get relevant data on any environmental changes. This, in turn, should help people quickly address any challenges.