Virtual Board Meetings are an excellent alternative to meetings in person. They are a flexible and convenient way for non-profit organizations, to connect with their board members and directors. The transition from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings is not without difficulties. To ensure a successful, engaging and effective board meeting, leaders his response of nonprofit organizations should follow a few simple rules to ensure the meeting runs smoothly.
Keep the Meeting focused on the Agenda
When a virtual meeting is being conducted it’s easy to wander off topic or lose interest in the discussion. It’s essential that participants stay focused on the agenda, and that the board members do not stray from its contents. It’s beneficial for businesses to record virtual meetings and distribute the minutes following every meeting.
Increase Attendee Engagement
It’s essential that nonprofits maintain high levels of board member involvement in the transition to a digital meeting format. Meetings can become tense and awkward when attendees struggle to connect with one on a platform that is digital. To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial that the chairman of the board create an appropriate tone and ambiance for each meeting and to define rules for participation and communication.
One of the biggest issues for virtual meetings is to avoid the dreaded “zoom fatigue”. Meetings that are too long cause attendees to feel mentally exhausted and disconnected from each other. Presenters should be able to narrate their video and slides prior to the virtual meeting begins to keep attendees entertained. They should also encourage attendees to take a short break between each session.