If you want your virtual meetings to be successful, there are a few important things you should do. Thankfully, these tips aren’t too difficult to follow, and they’ll help you make the most of your time.
A major component of good online meeting etiquette is following the host’s lead. If you’re the host, be sure to provide a clear agenda for the meeting.
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Follow the host’s lead.
When it comes to online meetings etiquette, it’s important to follow the host’s lead. They should set the pace and tone of the conversation, and they may also be in control of muting or unmuting participants depending on their needs.
It’s a good idea to let the meeting attendees know their expectations before the start of the discussion. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page and can focus on the meeting at hand.
If you’re a host, make sure your video camera is on (if possible) and maintain eye contact. This will help recreate the physical cues of face-to-face communication in your team’s virtual meetings.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
One of the most important skills in a leader’s arsenal is the ability to ask questions effectively. However, many managers and leaders don’t think about this skill very often.
Research shows that people who ask a lot of questions are more likely to be liked by their friends and colleagues. It also unlocks learning and improves interpersonal bonding.
But being afraid of asking questions can be a big barrier to effective online meetings. Here are four tips to help you get over your fear and lead better online meetings.
Don’t hesitate to interrupt.
When you are unable to finish a discussion, or you have received an update from a client or teammate that may affect the subject of the meeting, it is important not to hesitate to interrupt. Interruptions in business meetings are inevitable, and it is always best to keep them polite and professional.
If you must interrupt, try to wait until the speaker pauses. This is especially true if the topic is sensitive or complex.
A simple way to signal that you are ready to interrupt is to raise your hand or unmute the microphone. However, this strategy can come across as impolite or disruptive if you are not able to actually speak in the meeting.
Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback.
One of the best ways to ensure that an online meeting is productive and valuable for all parties involved is by collecting feedback from attendees. This will allow you to understand the views of your team and make necessary changes to improve the overall experience of your meetings.
Besides, asking for feedback also provides you with an opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives that can help you improve your virtual meeting skills.
For a quick and easy way to get feedback, simply ask people to rate the meeting on a 0-4 scale (closed fist for zero). You can do this in person or via chat after the meeting.
Don’t hesitate to leave early.
Online meetings are a great way to connect with teams and individuals from different locations. They reduce travel costs and increase productivity, collaboration, and communication.
But online meeting etiquette is just as important as it is in traditional settings. During an online meeting, it is crucial to not hesitate to leave early if needed.
There are plenty of good reasons to leave early, including family emergencies or unexpected illnesses. If you need to leave early for these reasons, it is best to communicate with your supervisor or coworkers and explain the situation clearly.
However, it is also important to avoid using bad or fake reasons to leave early. If you use these excuses too often, you might find it difficult to maintain a positive relationship with your boss or coworkers.