[VIDEO] - Your Zoom Meeting Questions Answered
Randy and Mare answered viewers’ questions about re-energizing when you’re on Zoom all day.
Viewer Q&A: 3 of your top Zoom questions
You asked, Randy and I answered. Thanks to all who submitted thoughtful viewer questions – Randy and I had a great time tackling them in this episode of Between 2 Speakers. Keep reading (or watch below!) for a rundown of our top three questions. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Watch our Q&A Segment below.
Question 1: How do you bring energy when you’re on your fifth meeting of the day (or you’re just introverted)?
In our new reality, many people have struggled to adapt to the various and unique demands that Zoom meetings present. Utilizing body language and maintaining high energy can be challenge.
Our advice is to take frequent breaks to increase energy levels. Give yourself a breather in between meetings, and try to change up the scenery whenever possible by standing up or moving to a new space.
Bonus tip: If you’re uncomfortable standing, scooting to the edge of your chair can have the same energy-boosting effect.
Question 2: How do you create energy and engagement while leading a virtual meeting?
Plan out your agenda in advance, and create a space for authentic conversation. My favorite way to organically create engagement is through interesting ice breakers. Once upon a time, pre-COVID-19, this was the norm for in-person conferences – why not bring this energy to the virtual world?
A few suggestions to spark conversation in your next Zoom meeting:
“If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?”
“What was your first concert?”
“Elvis, the Beatles, Radiohead, or Kendrick Lamar?”
Another way to garner engagement is encouraging participants to utilize the chat function whenever possible. Chat can be a great option for those who are a little more quiet or need to be quiet for whatever reason. For instance, participants with kids or pets at home may be less likely to unmute their microphones.
Question 3: How do you look for nonverbal cues so you know when to speak without cutting someone off?
Depending on the number of people in your meeting, reading nonverbal cues can be pretty tricky.
Our biggest tip is actually for the leader of the meeting: The facilitator should always communicate their expectations upfront by saying how participants should chime in: Wave at the camera? Just jump right in? Put it in the chat? Use the “raise hand” function? Setting expectations upfront can make it easier for attendees to feel confident when contributing.
Pro tip: For the leader, if you do get cross-talk, you get to call out the order of speakers: “Jane, go first and we’ll hear Kevin next.:
As an attendee, there isn’t much you can do to avoid accidental interruption on Zoom. However, don’t forget: phone conference calls are not new terrain to many. You’ve likely already dealt with the classic cross-talk situation before, so don’t let Zoom intimidate you.
Have more questions? We’re ready to take them on in our next Between 2 Speakers.
Send any public speaking related questions over to social@mariannaswallow.com, or drop us a comment below.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make the process of public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. And yes - I teach over Zoom!
Need some help? Get in touch!
