Avoid These Zoom Meetings and Virtual Conferencing Mistakes

Whether you are using Zoom Meetings and Virtual Conferencing tools for one client, external shareholders, or a big internal sales team, you need to make them engaging. The technologies used for remote work have exploded in popularity and that means there’s room for mistakes too.

Here are a few of those mishaps that you’ll want to avoid:

Allowing The Pets In

It’s not really a big deal during an informal group of your familiar sales team. However, letting your dog into the meeting when you’re presenting to a board or conference can be a real problem.

Consider putting Fido in another room to avoid major upheavals during important events.

Not Having A Backup

A microphone that breaks down during a live in-person virtual gathering isn’t a game-changer. However, technology that shuts down during Zoom meetings and virtual conferencing events is a lot more serious.

That’s why you need to have tech backup for any virtual events. These types of backup plans can include a designated host who can take over while the organizer troubleshoots any technical issues.

Thinking A Microphone Is Off

If you are in a video conference always assume that your microphone is live. Even if the icon says it’s off, act like it’s on. Practicing that will get you to hold your tongue.

It could be the difference between an offhanded sarcastic comment that scuttles a promotion or a successful day.

Multitasking

These days, attending a virtual meeting is easy. It’s also just as easy to lose focus when you’re in the middle of one. Don’t check your email or try to multitask during a virtual conference.

It’s simple to stay on track. Close your email off and mute notifications while you are attending.

Not Leaving Room For Networking

Virtual meetings don’t always allow for a space to interact after they end. Spending an extra few minutes on Zoom after the presentations are over allows people to network, decompress, and make connections.

Finally, don’t make any assumptions about people being comfortable because they’re not in front of an in-person audience. Applause might not be as common in the virtual world, but participants can offer encouragement through chat windows.  

Offering positive reassurance helps people to feel good about their presentations in Zoom meetings and virtual conferencing events. Making sure your humanity shines through will engage everyone.