Meeting virtually with colleagues offers many advantages. You don’t have to worry about travel expenses or all the time spent commuting, for instance. Even so, video conferences present challenges of their own. Consider several tips that may help you avoid common pitfalls the next time you hold a virtual meeting.
1. Resolve Technological Issues
Before the day of the conference, be sure to test out the software you will be using. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ensure that you have a sufficiently strong internet connection so that you don’t have to worry about your image or voice breaking up. Some business owners choose to use technologies such as voice over internet protocol to conduct their meetings.
2. Choose an Appropriate Environment
Another way to prepare for an upcoming virtual gathering is to experiment with different places to sit. Try to find a seat that allows you to be at eye level with your computer. In addition, be sure to sit facing a light source so that people can see you clearly.
3. Encourage Participation
Because it can be difficult to avoid interrupting others during a video conference, some participants may be hesitant to speak up. To prevent this issue, you could try asking questions of specific people. Alternatively, it may be helpful to simply encourage people to share without worrying about cutting off someone else.
4. Provide Supplementary Materials
A final tip to keep in mind is that meeting virtually often means your colleagues miss out on the presentations or data sheets you may supply at a typical conference. Be sure to send these sorts of materials to participants digitally so that they have access to all the necessary information.
Even though you can complete a video conference in your bunny slippers, it is no a simple feat. With a bit of preparation, however, your next virtual meeting can be every bit as effective as an in-person one.
