Tips for Online Meetings: Participants

In Advance

Technical/General Concerns

• Use high-quality equipment, including a noise-canceling headset.
• Have back-up tech/tools available in case of tech failure.
• Use video if you will be presenting anything.
• If using video, ensure you have sufficient lighting. Also consider having a screen behind you to reduce visual distraction.
• Set up in a quiet space, keeping background noise to a minimum.
• Test your technology, lighting, and connection before start time.
• Disable tones and announcements.

Language-Barrier Concerns

• Tell the meeting facilitator if you would benefit from an established back channel (group chat or instant messaging) for non-native language comprehension.
• Request video-based meetings to enable lipreading.

During the Meeting

• Mute yourself when not speaking.
• Make note of questions to ask during the “parking lot” period.
• For optimal engagement, avoid updates that involve reading from a script. Convey items that don’t require discussion in another medium such as email or group chat.
• Strive to engage in the meeting without dominating. Respect any requests to postpone further discussion until later.
• Make note of and commit to action items assigned to you.