Work Together Anywhere

TIPS FOR ONLINE MEETINGSParticipants

Note that a separate list of tips for facilitators precedes this list.

IN ADVANCE

GENERAL CONCERNS

• If you will be providing an update, for optimal engagement note the following two guidelines. One, reserve any items that don’t require discussion for another medium such as email or group chat. Two, for the information you do present, avoid reading from a script. Instead, engage fellow participants with conversation. (To help with this, perhaps keep your notes in outline form rather than complete sentences.)
• If you will be presenting anything, use video if you can.

TECHNICAL CONCERNS

• Use high-quality equipment, including a noise-canceling headset.
• Have back-up tech/tools available in case of tech failure.
• If using video, ensure you have sufficient lighting. Also consider having a screen behind you to reduce visual distraction.
• Set up in a quiet space, keeping background noise to a minimum.
• Test your technology, lighting, and connection before start time.
• Disable tones and announcements.

LANGUAGE-BARRIER CONCERNS

• Tell the meeting facilitator if you would benefit from a back channel (group chat or instant messaging) for language comprehension.
• Request video-based meetings to enable lipreading.

DURING THE MEETING

• Mute yourself when not speaking.
• Make note of questions to ask during the “parking lot” period.
• Strive to engage in the meeting without dominating. Respect any requests to postpone further discussion until later.
• Make ...