E-N-G-A-G-E: How to Engage People During Virtual Meetings

, , ,

E-Empathize: Engagement is difficult in a virtual setting, so try to understand your audience’s needs, challenges, and expectations. Greet your audience with a friendly face when they enter the meeting. Share relatable stories, acknowledge their virtual fatigue, and ask the participants questions about how they feel or what they hope to gain from the session.

N-New Tools: Incorporate technology to make the meeting dynamic and engaging. Use interactive platforms like Zoom’s breakout rooms. Add visual aids, videos, or collaborative whiteboards. Practice using these tools in advance to avoid technical issues.

G-Gamify: Add game elements that promote fun and engagement. Introduce challenges, competitions, or quizzes that relate to the topic. The games should align with the meeting objectives to keep the audience on track. Offer rewards or recognition for participation to keep the fun going.

A-Acknowledge: Gratitude is a great way to acknowledge your people. Recognize contributions, efforts, and the value participants bring. Call out great ideas or input by name so people feel appreciated. Keep track and check in with members who haven’t said much and create opportunities for them to speak.

G-Gather: Actively solicit input, encourage collaboration, and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. Foster a sense of inclusion and leverage tools so everyone can participate. Use virtual whiteboards, chat functions, or breakout rooms for small group interactions and seek input from quieter members. Listen, give feedback and synthesize ideas so that all contributions are acknowledged and integrated into the meeting’s outcomes.

E-Excite: Keep the energy high and end with enthusiasm so participants feel motivated and positive. Use a dynamic tone, engaging visuals, and interactive activities that capture attention and sustain interest. Storytelling, humor, or real-world examples create a compelling narrative that keeps the audience invested. Be sure to close the session on a high note. Summarize key takeaways and highlight the positive outcomes or next steps.

Written By

drmimi

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…