Clearly when it's not an option to meet together in person, virtual meetings are our only option. But even when we have the option of meeting together in person, we will still need to utilize technology to connect with other colleagues who work remotely or partners who are located around the globe.In any meeting - but especially in Virtual meetings - a Facilitator can help the meeting be more engaging, interactive and overall, more effective.

In this course, we’re offering basic skills and techniques for those who want to facilitate effective virtual meetings within their own organization.

This is not a “professional facilitation skills” training. Rather, this course is for Senior Leaders, Supervisors, Team Leads, Project Managers, and really any staff member who wants to help make your organization’s virtual meetings more effective.

There are two specific objectives we’ll address in this course:

• First, we’ll review the role and responsibilities of a Facilitator before, during and after the virtual meeting.
• Second, we’ll provide tips on simple techniques and use of technology to facilitate simple meetings effectively.

We’ll frame the application of the tools and techniques around the most common types of basic meetings: a 1 hour staff meeting, a 2 hour “all hands”, a weekly tag up, etc.And when it comes to using various virtual meeting platforms and tech tools, we’ve provided links to various “how to’s” in the resources section at the end of the workbook.

Before we even get into your role and responsibilities as a facilitator, let’s touch briefly on the essential tools you’ll need to do a great job.

Internet Connection:

• Have a good internet connection.
• If your wireless signal is unsteady or not particularly strong, then plug directly into the network to ensure consistency and strong connection.
• Make sure you turn off other applications to free up as much bandwidth.

Camera:

• Don’t just leave your camera sitting on your desk pointing up at your face. Have your camera at eye level.
• Position yourself at the right distance from your camera so others can see your full face and shoulders, and even your hands when you’re speaking.
• A virtual background can come in handy if you don’t have a decent backdrop. Avoid using something distracting.

Lighting:

• Don’t have a bright light directly behind you! This will mean your colleagues will see your silhouette rather than your face.
• Ensure that there is sufficient lighting on your face, while your background is appropriately lit. You can simply put yourself in front of a window if there’s natural light, or use a desk lamp.

Sound:

• Chances are whatever microphone is in your computer is fine. Ask a colleague for feedback to let you know how it sounds. If it’s not good, you should try a headset.
• Make sure you’re in as quiet an environment as possible. And if there is background noise, which of course can happen unexpectedly, just be ready to use the mute function.

After watching the video above, click Complete and Continue to move on to the next section of the course.