Most of us agree that in-person meetings are more effective than virtual meetings, but virtual meetings are here to stay, so let’s make the most of them:
Make sure your lighting is good. The light should be facing you, not behind you.
Make sure you have a good microphone, either one built into your computer or a separate microphone that works well.
Remove distracting items from your background.
For any audience of more than four people, you should have what is called a cohost. “Co-pilot” is a better term. This person lets people into the meeting, checks the chat for comments, reminds people to either mute or unmute themselves, reminds people to have their cameras on, etc. As the presenter, you should not have to manage these details.
Make sure you are in a quiet environment. No leaf blowers, loud music, or distracting nearby conversations.
Inform people ahead of time on how you expect them to participate. Did they agree to have cameras on? Did they agree to arrive with a question or two? Do they know that you will be calling on them to make contributions?
Start exactly on time and end exactly on time (or early). Do not wait for stragglers. That simply encourages people to straggle in.
End with a call for action – a task that each person should complete by a specific date.
