How Should You Prepare For An Online Meeting?

With the current pandemic, many of us are now working from home. This means that a lot of our meetings are now being held online. While this can be a great way to stay connected, it can also be a bit daunting if you're not used to it. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for an online meeting.

Prepare the necessary tools

To have a successful online meeting, you need to make sure you have the right tools. The first step is to choose the right platform.  You need a versatile platform or app that can perform different functions. You should consider adding apps for networking if the feature is not included in your current platform. There are many different options available, so take some time to research which one will best suit your needs. Once you've selected the platform, familiarize yourself with its features and capabilities. This will help ensure that you make the most of your online meeting and avoid any technical difficulties.

In addition to the platform, you'll also need a good internet connection and a webcam. A headset can also be useful if you're planning on using audio-only communication. Make sure all of your equipment is set up and tested before the meeting so that there are no surprises on the day of the meeting.

Do your research

This is especially important if you're meeting with someone for the first time, or if the meeting is particularly important. Before the meeting, make sure you know who will be attending and what the agenda is. This will help you to prepare any questions or points you want to raise. As early as possible, find out as much as you can about the people you'll be meeting with. This includes their names, titles, and what role they play in the organization.

The more you know about them, the easier it will be to connect with them on a personal level. Knowing as much as you can about the person or topic ahead of time will help you make the most of your meeting.

Create a meeting agenda

One of the most important aspects of preparing for an online meeting is creating a detailed agenda. This will give all attendees a clear overview of what will be discussed and help to keep the meeting on track. Be sure to include start and end times, as well as any breaks that will be taken. It can also be helpful to include links to any relevant documents so that everyone can follow along.

Send out reminders

As the date of the meeting approaches, send out reminders to all attendees. This will help ensure that everyone is aware of the upcoming meeting and has the necessary information to participate. You may also want to consider sending out a practice invite so that everyone can get familiar with the platform you're using.

Create a good environment

When you're preparing for an online meeting, one of the most important things you can do is to create a good environment. This means having a quiet, comfortable place to sit or stand where you won't be interrupted. It also means making sure your computer is in a good spot where you can see and hear everything clearly.

If you can't find a good spot in your house, try going to a coffee shop or library. Just make sure you're not in a public place where people might be able to hear your conversation. You should also avoid places with a lot of background noise, like restaurants.

Another thing to keep in mind is your lighting. You want to be well-lit so that people can see your face clearly. If you're in a dark room, it will be harder for people to see you and they might miss important nonverbal cues.

Finally, make sure your internet connection is strong. You don't want your meeting to be interrupted by a weak signal or slow loading times. If possible, test your connection before the meeting starts so that you can troubleshoot any issues. By taking the time to create a good environment, you'll set yourself up for success and make sure your online meeting goes smoothly.

Dress appropriately

Although you're at home, it's still important to dress as though you're going into an office. This will help to get you into the right frame of mind for the meeting and show that you're taking it seriously. It also means that if you need to stand up or move around during the meeting, you won't have to worry about being inappropriately dressed.

Pay attention

It can be easy to get distracted when you're not in a physical meeting, but it's important to pay attention to what's being said. This means turning off any distractions in your environment, such as email notifications or social media notifications. It also means resisting the urge to multi-task - if you're doing something else, you're not giving the meeting your full attention.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you're fully prepared for your next online meeting and that you will leave a good impression on everyone who is attending.


About the Author: Debby Burchill

Debby thrives on collaborating with businesses to enhance their job advert potential. She takes pride in assisting clients in discerning optimal salaries based on location and job type, ensuring they attract the crème de la crème of candidates.



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