We’re all drowning in calls and webinars—or at least I am. I much prefer meeting face-to-face, even if it takes longer to organize, or attending in-person training instead of sitting through endless virtual sessions.

I’m not saying calls and virtual training are bad, but if we want them to truly stick with participants, they have to be engaging.

Our focus today is on maximizing participant engagement during remote meetings, but keeping attention high isn’t just about virtual tools—it also impacts the in-person experience when available

Make it relevant for participants

It’s crucial to think about who we’re meeting.

We often talk about “What’s In It For Me?” but don’t always apply it properly. So, what’s in it for our participants? Tailoring content perfectly for everyone can be tough and sometimes backfires. Still, regularly connecting the discussion back to participants’ interests throughout the session helps keep enthusiasm alive. This works even better when the conversation is interactive. Nothing’s more dull or counterproductive than a one-sided monologue. And yes, that means owning your content and being prepared—once you invite debate, you can’t just back out.

All together… but apart

Not everyone shines in bigger groups—shyness is often the main barrier. Just like in-person, many people find smaller groups easier and more enjoyable to engage with. The same goes for virtual meetings. Consider breaking participants into smaller teams. This not only boosts interaction but also increases accountability, giving people a chance to share their ideas and regain focus if attention drifts.

A steady pace is great for marathons, not attention spans

When collaborating, changing our pace and tone every 10 minutes or so is essential—especially online. This means planning our meeting or training agenda in advance to keep a natural, dynamic flow that holds people’s focus.

Bring energy

Showing up on the call isn’t enough—we need to be actively present. Our job is to convey energy and passion without going over the top or sounding flat. This can feel trickier virtually and demands extra effort from the organizer, but it makes all the difference.

Keeping these tips in mind will make remote sessions more engaging and meaningful—for everyone involved.