Virtual Board Meetings can be a successful and cost-effective option for non-profit directors to be involved. Due to the lack of physical signs, the attendees need to be more attentive and communicate clearly. This is why it is recommended to plan the meeting in advance and create a set guidelines to help communicate and eliminate confusion.
These rules could include the requirement that everyone raises their virtual hand to speak during the discussion, or using the conference software’s features to announce the speaker’s name. It’s also beneficial to have an arrangement in place that allows the chair to monitor who is speaking so they can respond to keep the discussion clear and focused.
It is also recommended that participants minimize distractions and shut down unnecessary programs on their computers before the call starts. This will optimize bandwidth and improve audio quality. It’s also a good practice when you don’t want add to the conversation, to mute your microphone. This helps reduce background noise, and reduces the chance that a fellow participant might accidentally hear your remarks.
Another suggestion is to plan shorter meetings as possible. This allows attendees to keep focus and enthusiasm throughout the meeting. It will also lower the chance of “zoom fatigue” — the term http://whichboardroom.com/how-to-write-a-board-resolution for the exhaustion resulting from focusing on screens that are small for long periods of time. The shorter meetings also make it easier for attendees to manage the meeting times around their work and personal commitments.