Five Simple Ways to Make Your Video Calls and Meetings More Effective
- jjellema2
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6
By Joe Jellema
Blogger and Senior Editor at Compel Consultants
Video conference calls can be more productive when everyone is ready and work is shared. - WIX Photos
Have you found yourself struggling with conference calls or meetings and not looking forward to them? Well there are some easy things you can do each time to make it successful.
The same basic rules applies for in-person meetings, huddles or even one-on-one's, but today we are talking about video conference technology that allows you to share content virtually and communicate live, even when working remotely.
Maybe you are using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Goto Meetings, Google Meet, or Webex Meetings? No matter the platform, what we are trying to do is communicate as best as we can knowing limitations exist: namely, we are are not "in-person" and we may not know each other all that well.
The key is you are focusing on being productive and respectful with participants time. Follow these steps so that your meetings are positive connections that everyone enjoys.
Are you ready? Here we go!
Five Simple Ways to Make Your Video Calls Better
Be on time - Which means be early
Take notes and review any expectations prior
Download the software and test early
Know your passwords, etc
Have a back up plan
2. Stick to The Agenda
Consider the purpose and the audience
Be mindful of who is leading the discussion
Plan time to greet and answer questions
Set a time frame
Know your scope and your deliverables
Set expectations early
Avoid going off topic - Handle 1-on-1 concerns off-line
More frequent & shorter meetings usually works better
3. Be Respectful and Help Innovate
Be present without distraction
Participate when appropriate
Acknowledge others - Waves and nods are good!
Remain flexible - The team may need to "pivot"
Be purposeful
Focus on solutions not just problems
Know when to be a "disruptor" - Speaking up can be helpful!
Build rapport - This is key to communicating better
Show enthusiasm
Volunteer to share the work
Read the room
Actively listen
Ask for feedback when appropriate
4. Use All the Tools at Your Disposal
Turn the video camera ON - Nonverbal communication can help us understand more clearly by providing context
Mute the microphone when not in use
Use gestures and visual cues to connect
Screen share
5. Rotate & Pivot
Share and switch up the duties so everyone can improve their communication skillsets
Remain flexible and adjusting how you communicate - Adjust your communication mix to each situation
Smaller group calls might work better
Maybe everyone doesn't need to be in the same meeting
Maybe add in an email or a weekly update
Be willing to adjust a little, shift gears, or start over
Works Cited:
Pivot topic linked to:
Disruptor topic linked to : https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2022/12/27/the-importance-of-becoming-a-disruptor-in-2023/#
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Written by:
Joe Jellema
Blogger and Senior Editor at Compel Consultants
When I'm not enjoying way too much coffee at work you might catch me rollerskating the beach path in Long Beach, CA
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