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

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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.

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