Leading online meetings (virtual meetings) is a challenge. Staying focused and encouraging others to participate is a huge challenge!  Learn 4 tactics to encourage engagement in others, plus tips on what we ourselves should be doing during virtual meetings.
Link to Printable Shownotes HERE: https://talkabouttalk.com/podcasts/#shownotes
CONTENTS

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Summary:

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PARTICIPATING: What to do during online meetings

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LEADING: 4 ways to get people engaged



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Resources

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Transcript



SUMMARY: PARTICIPATING IN & LEADING ONLINE MEETINGS
PARTICIPATING: What to do DURING online meetings
AUDIO 

* Check your settings.  Don’t be the “you’re on mute!” guy.
* Avoid distracting loud noises. Turn off loud fans and notifications. 

EYE CONTACT

* Always look at the camera when you’re speaking.
* Drag and drop the speaker’s box so they’re directly under the camera.
* If you need a reminder, tape a note next to your camera lens – “look here!”

BODY LANGUAGE

* Start with a big smile. We all crave positive human connection these days.
* Use proper posture. Sit or stand up straight, feet planted flat on the floor. To demonstrate confidence, take up lots of space. To demonstrate engagement and openness, lean-in and be open. No crossed arms, no hunching over.
* Signal agreement by nodding and tilting your head.
* Use intentional and slow hand gestures. Show your palms. No fidgeting.

4 ways to STRATEGICALLY INTERRUPT:

* Use body language – physically raise your hand. 
* Virtually raise your hand – use the “raise your hand” tool. 
* Use the chat function.
* Create a hand-written sign. 

FOCUS

* Of course, you need to stay away from email and social media!
* Before important meetings, remind yourself of two things:

* What are the main points that’ll be discussed? Is there a framework or a process that’ll be referenced? What points need to be top-of-mind?
* Who are the key participants in this meeting? (clients, external stakeholders…)


* Print the agenda and handwrite your meeting notes on that page.

 
LEADING Online Meetings: 4 Ways to Get People ENGAGED
(1).PREPARE FOR SUCCESS

* Be explicit: Highlight the expectation for active engagement in the meeting invitation
* Be implicit: Refer to meeting invitees as “participants,” not “attendees”!
* Minimize the number of attendees. 
* Pre-issue an agenda that articulates the meeting objective. 
* When preparing your slide deck, keep it to a minimum. Less is more.

(2).MAKE IT EASY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SPEAK UP 

* Logistics: Check-in on the agenda and technology. Typically cameras should be ON, with audio on mute. Ask everyone to silence their phones and turn calendar notifications off.
* Assign roles for everyone. There’s the typical leader/facilitator, a timekeeper, a minute-taker,…  Assign someone to moderate the chatroom. Other “advocates” (devil’s advocate, customer-advocate, diversity-advocate, etc.)
* Tell participantshow to interject, for example by physically or virtually raising their hand, using the chat function, or by holding up a hand-written sign!
* Start off with a bang. Research shows that meeting participants will engage more throughout the meeting when it starts with interaction. Share a story and get interactive.  

(3).LEVERAGE THE POWER OF NAMES  

* Mention as many people as possible by name during the m...