How do you engage and interact with your audience during a video conference?

1 Choose the right platform

Before you start your video conference, you need to choose the right platform for your needs. There are many options available, such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, each with its own features, benefits, and limitations. You should consider factors such as the number of participants, the duration of the meeting, the level of security, the quality of the audio and video, the availability of chat and screen sharing functions, and the compatibility with different devices and browsers. You should also test the platform beforehand to make sure it works well and you know how to use it effectively.

2 Prepare your content and equipment

Another important step is to prepare your content and equipment for the video conference. You should have a clear agenda and a set of objectives for the meeting, and share them with your audience in advance. You should also prepare any slides, documents, or other materials that you want to present or discuss, and make sure they are easy to read and understand. You should also check your equipment, such as your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection, and make sure they are in good condition and properly positioned. You should also choose a suitable location, with enough lighting, minimal background noise, and no distractions.

3 Establish rapport and expectations

At the beginning of the video conference, you should establish rapport and expectations with your audience. You should greet them warmly, introduce yourself and others if necessary, and thank them for their time and attention. You should also review the agenda and the objectives of the meeting, and explain how you will conduct the video conference. You should also set some ground rules, such as asking them to mute their microphones when they are not speaking, to raise their hands or use the chat function if they have a question or a comment, and to respect each other's opinions and feedback. You should also encourage them to participate actively and share their thoughts and ideas.

4 Use verbal and non-verbal cues

During the video conference, you should use verbal and non-verbal cues to engage and interact with your audience. You should speak clearly and confidently, using a friendly and professional tone. You should also use appropriate language, avoiding jargon, slang, or acronyms that your audience may not understand. You should also use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and posture, to convey your message and emotions. You should also pay attention to the non-verbal cues of your audience, such as their level of interest, engagement, and understanding.

5 Ask questions and provide feedback

Another way to engage and interact with your audience is to ask questions and provide feedback. You should ask open-ended questions that invite your audience to share their opinions, experiences, or suggestions. You should also ask clarifying questions that check their comprehension, confirm their agreement, or address their concerns. You should also provide feedback that acknowledges their contributions, praises their achievements, or offers constructive criticism. You should also invite feedback from your audience, asking them how they feel about the video conference, what they learned, or what they would like to improve.

6 Summarize and follow up

At the end of the video conference, you should summarize and follow up with your audience. You should recap the main points and outcomes of the meeting, and highlight the key takeaways and action items. You should also thank your audience for their participation and cooperation, and express your appreciation and satisfaction. You should also follow up with your audience after the video conference, sending them a summary of the meeting, any relevant documents or resources, or any feedback or suggestions. You should also ask them for their feedback or suggestions, and address any issues or questions that may arise.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?