Zoom Meeting Ground Rules for Great Team Discussion

Posted by Kristin Arnold on March 16, 2021

At this point, you would think we are all comfortable with Zoom meetings (or the equivalent video-conferencing software).  But that doesn’t mean you should forget a powerful intervention strategy: Reinforcing group ground rules.

For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion:

    • Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting.
    • Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues.
    • Start on time.  End on time.
    • Take a break at least every hour.
    • Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting.
    • Mute your microphone when not talking.
    • Position your camera close to the screen you’re looking at.
    • Keep your camera on whenever possible.
    • Turn off your camera if doing something distracting.
    • Balance airtime so all participate and no one dominates.
    • Raise your hand/Speak up if you have something to say.
    • Ask quieter members for their opinion.
    • Use the chatbox to record key ideas and action items.
    • Be interested so the meeting can be interesting!

For more information about how to lead your team in the virtual environment, use these resources.

KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CPF | Master, CSP is a high-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator.  She’s been facilitating teams of executives and managers in making better decisions and achieving greater results for over 27 years.  She is the author of the award-winning book, Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve and Inspire Audiences to Action.  Her latest book, 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion was published in January 2021.

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