Nothing costs your influence quite like an ineffective meeting. Introducing our new hybrid workplace challenges what we’ve ever known. Many struggle enough to host in-person meetings, only to find virtual gatherings more difficult. Technical mishaps, over-filled calendars and unproductive conversations result in immediate frustration for our listeners. Hybrid meetings add an extra layer of risk as facilitators juggle in-person and online listeners. Grow your influence by facilitating hybrid meetings like a pro.
Don’t over-invite.
The larger the gathering, the greater the chance of mistakes. Hybrid meetings are challenging enough to facilitate. By over-inviting attendees, your listeners will struggle to hear everyone speaking or even participate themselves.
Prepare ahead of time.
You never want someone leaving your meeting feeling it wastes their time. Take time to prepare your message, no matter the audience. Write down what you need to cover and in what order. This will keep your thoughts and the conversation on track.
Provide an agenda.
No one appreciates long meetings. An agenda prevents discussions from going wrong and wasting valuable time.
Keep meetings short.
Everything competes for your listener’s attention, challenging your ability to be heard above the noise. Short meetings encourage listeners to pay close attention while reinforcing the need to keep the conversation on track.
Open Zoom early.
Virtual attendees miss the opportunity to make small talk with other meeting attendees, often leaving them feeling like second-class citizens. Opening the Zoom bridge early allows virtual attendees to engage with others, reinforcing their valued presence.
Establish ground rules.
Explain to attendees how you will facilitate the meeting and take questions in both settings. Invite virtual attendees to utilize the online chat platform, then assign an in-person attendee to monitor the questions posted.
Leverage technology.
If you are presenting in person, attempt to project the virtual attendees so those in the room are reminded of their presence and participation. If a projection screen is unavailable, set up multiple computers around the table, allowing all attendees to connect and engage with each other.
Control the conversation.
We’ve all been in meetings where one or two attendees attempt to dominate the conversation. It’s up to you to guide the conversation, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to speak. Interject when interruptions occur. Let the offender know you’ll come back to their thoughts as soon as the speaker finishes what they were sharing.
Check in.
It is easy for in-person facilitators to forget virtual attendees. Every few moments, check in to ensure they can hear and see. Call on them by name, inviting them to contribute to the conversation. This will help everyone feel better connected.
End strongly.
Nothing feels as cold and abrupt as attending a virtual call that immediately ends. Allow yourself a few minutes to wrap up your meeting, inviting others to provide final thoughts or questions. Recap the discussion to reinforce what your meeting accomplished.
Each hybrid meeting facilitation allows you to grow your influence and build trust among attendees. Next time you host a hybrid meeting, implement these 10 tips to ensure your listener's time is well spent.
