We all have experienced that when is coming to using virtual environments, the story can get some kind of boring: today we will go through some techniques that facilitate the creation of captivating and effective remote meetings. In its complexity it is both an art form and a science in its own way so be sure to learn it the right way.
Here is a list of some of the most useful skills that characterize the best virtual facilitators:
- Be flexible and adapt: Things don’t always work out the way you think and so being ready to adapt the exposure, the pace and the tools will make your virtual meeting always responsive to the needs and, most of all, will allow you to achieve the expected objectives. Do not be frightened by the unexpected, but, on the contrary, ride it to break the rhythm and then resume with greater vigor
- Methodology is the key to facilitation: the meeting, like any meeting, is based on the method. Following a known and repeated method will facilitate the optimization of times; facilitating the process of development will help to achieve the result
- Did I say you need to communicate? Train yourself in communicating clearly, concisely. The ability to adapt the message to different types of public is one of the fundamental characteristics to keep the attention of the participants (remember that you will not be able to benefit from the gestures and physical presence that usually helps a lot in face-to-face meetings)
- Listening: train yourself to be able to listen to the nuances, energy, distinctions and synergies in the participants, so as to calibrate the development on the real dynamics of the group
- Hosting is caring: be a great guest: even if virtually, remember to welcome your participants with courtesy reconstructing the feeling of comfort of a real meeting and leave time to the others to leave the call
- Observe and integrate: in a virtual meeting you will have to be able to receive information from different sources and integrate them in the discussion. It is a feature that is created over time with continuous practice, don’t rush.
- Technical skills with different platforms: IT support is not always available during the time of your meeting. Be proficient in using Skype, Hangouts, and other ways of sharing so you can use them as needed
