Virtual board meetings are an excellent method for non-profit organizations to increase their effectiveness and efficiency, as well as engagement from board members who can’t attend in-person. However, just as in-person board meetings conducting effective virtual meetings requires planning and preparation. This article will provide tips and tricks to aid nonprofits in running their virtual meetings with ease.
The best way to ensure effective virtual meetings is to begin with a clear and lively agenda that keeps meeting discussions focused and on the right track. You can also set time limits for each item on the agenda to keep discussions on pace.
Another tip to consider is to use videoconferencing software for virtual meetings whenever possible. Researchers have found that online conversations are more interesting when participants are able to see each their fellow participants. This can lead to stronger connections. In addition, it can make participants more aware of non-verbal signals that indicate anger, boredom or disapproval.
It is important to establish clear guidelines for the use of cameras and mute when conducting virtual meetings. For example, it’s polite to mute the microphone when someone else is speaking to ensure that background noise is minimized. It’s also helpful to remind people that they should raise their hands when they have a question or comment, and wait until they’re called upon.
In addition, it is important to have a backup plan for technical issues that may arise during an event. This could include having a designated person assigned to assist with these issues, and having a written procedure for attendees to follow if they need to leave the meeting.