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Living in a Virtual World:
Videoconferencing: How to Have a Great Meeting!
By Suzanne Bates
6 Tips to Draw in Your “Virtual” Audience:
- Think of Videoconferencing as a cost-effective way to increase "face time": Videoconferencing is not a substitute for face to face meetings with clients and colleagues. However, it is a convenience for both of you, saving boatloads of time and money. Use these meetings to stretch your travel budget for internal meetings and use them to get together "virtually" more often.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare: A videoconference meeting is just as important as being "face to face." Virtual technology provides you with a fantastic opportunity to connect, so you want to make a powerful impression. Know what you're going to say, practice your presentation, and be ready for questions.
- Project energy and stay focused: Don't sit back in your chair. Your style should be natural, authentic communication - but remember, it takes a little more energy and effort to shine in a flat, two-dimensional format. Your goal is to "come through the camera" and really connect.
- Practice good meeting etiquette: Be early, start right on time. Get technology issues out of the way. Start as you would any meeting, by exchanging pleasantries. Have a shared, printed agenda for everyone sent out in advance. Stay on topic and on time.
- Be aware of body language: Make "eye contact" through the camera. Dress for the meeting, maintain open body language, and be purposeful in your gestures. Don't be too low key, or wave your hands too much. In other words, project a powerful presence, exactly as you would if you were in the same room together.
- Bring it with you: Get your documents and materials together in advance. Bring your laptop and have it up and running prior to the meeting. Unlike a phone call at your desk, you can't easily access documents and information, so prepare, bring it along, and have everything readily available.