Virtual board meetings are an affordable and efficient way for non-profit directors at all levels to be involved. Because there are no physical signs, attendees have to be extra attentive and clear in their communication. This is why it is best to plan the meeting in advance and implement a set of rules that facilitate communication and prevent confusion.
These rules could include requiring that all participants raise their hands during the debate, or using the software’s features for conferencing to announce the speaker’s name. It’s also beneficial to have an effective system in place that allows the chair to keep track of who is speaking so that they can respond and keep the discussion clear and focused.
In the his response end, it is suggested that participants keep their eyes off distractions and stop running unnecessary applications on their computers prior to when the call starts. This will improve bandwidth and improve audio quality. Also, it’s a good idea to mute your microphone when you’re not actively participating in the conversation. This helps reduce background noise, and reduces the possibility that a fellow listener might be able to hear your remarks.
Another suggestion is to plan as brief meetings as you can. This allows attendees to keep focus and energy throughout the meeting. This will lower the chance of « zoom fatigue » — a term used for the exhaustion resulting due to focusing on small screens for long periods of time. Meetings that are shorter allow attendees to incorporate the meeting into their schedules, both personal and professional.