Tips For Online Meetings

03/19/2020

Updated 1/27/2025

Although many people have been communicating online full- or part-time for a while now, I still work with clients who struggle with it. It's so easy to slip into a "viewer" role in front of the screen rather than showing up as an active participant. The good news? With some awareness, practice, and small changes, you can dramatically improve how you're coming across online.

If it's true that 85% of professional success comes from soft skills (according to studies from Stanford, the Carnegie Foundation, and Harvard), then now might be the perfect time to develop that crucial 85%!

Just like in-person communication, virtual communication demands clarity, confidence, and professionalism. If you feel your demeanor, speech, voice, or language skills could use a "tune-up" or even a slight "makeover," now's a great time to tackle it.

Here are some tips for attending online meetings. You probably already know some of them, but a reminder never hurts.


  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Technology
    Make sure you know how to use the platform, and check that your audio and video are working. Locate the mute, chat, and screen-sharing functions in advance.

  2. Get Ready Ahead of Time
    Dress appropriately for the meeting—business casual, at least from the waist up.

  3. Log On a Little Early
    Give yourself a few minutes to settle in. Have some water handy, and use the bathroom beforehand.

  4. Minimize Interruptions
    Ensure that pets, children, or others won't interrupt your meeting.

  5. Consider Your Background
    Your colleagues don't need to see a messy kitchen or open closet doors. Choose a clean, neutral backdrop to avoid distractions.

  6. Practice Sharing Slides (if needed)
    If it's your first time sharing slides on this platform, do a test run beforehand to feel more confident.

  7. Mute Your Cell Phone
    If you're not using your phone to call in, silence it to avoid interruptions.

  8. Prepare Your Materials
    Have any notes, props, or other items you might need ready before the meeting starts.

  9. Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
    When speaking, try to look at the camera to create the impression of eye contact. *Tip: If nerves are an issue, try placing a photo of someone who knows you and that you feel really comfortable with, near your camera. This can help you feel at ease and naturally make eye contact.

  10. Stay Attentive and Maintain Good Posture
    Remember, everyone can see you. Stay relatively still, with a neutral or pleasant expression. Good posture goes a long way.

  11. Be Dynamic
    Use gestures and vary your vocal intonation to stay engaging—even through a screen.

  12. Be Patient with Glitches
    Technical hiccups happen. Stay calm, smile, and keep the focus on the conversation.

Specific Areas I Work on with Clients for Telecommunication

  1. Virtual Presence
    Learn how to use your breath, voice, and physical presence to engage any audience—whether it's one person or many—in a virtual setting.

  2. Honing Active Listening
    Studies show we're 40% more likely to be distracted when communicating online. Active listening is a skill you can practice and refine.

  3. Relating to the Camera
    Develop techniques to channel your energy toward the camera in a natural, engaging way.

  4. Speaking Like a Leader Online
    Identify and eliminate unconscious behaviors that may be magnified on camera, undermining your authority or distracting your audience.

  5. Communicating with Confidence
    Learn strategies to manage nerves and project confidence when collaborating with colleagues online.

What about you? What's been your biggest challenge when it comes to connecting with others online?

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