With the widespread shift to remote work, virtual team meetings and training have become commonplace. However, maintaining participant engagement can be a challenge in these virtual environments. According to a study by Microsoft, 38% of remote workers regularly multitask during virtual team meetings (Microsoft, 2020). In this blog, we’ll explore strategies to keep participants engaged and focused during virtual team meetings and training.

Preparation and Planning

First and foremost, set clear objectives and expectations for the team meeting or training session. A well-defined purpose will help participants understand the importance of staying engaged. Develop a well-structured agenda that outlines the topics to be covered, as well as the time allocated for each item. This will help keep the team meeting on track and minimize the likelihood of participants losing focus.

Make the session interactive by incorporating various activities, such as polls, quizzes, and group discussions. These activities will not only keep the team engaged but also help break the monotony of traditional presentations. Additionally, use visually appealing and concise presentation materials to maintain attention and facilitate understanding.

Encouraging Active Participation

Active participation is key to maintaining focus during virtual team meetings and training. Assign roles to participants, such as note-takers or discussion leaders, to promote accountability and active engagement. Encourage participants to turn on their video cameras, as seeing each other helps build a sense of connection and fosters a more immersive experience.

Leverage the chat function or other messaging tools to allow team members to ask questions and share feedback. This will make them feel heard and valued, while also keeping them engaged. Incorporate small group activities or breakout rooms to promote collaboration and interaction. These smaller settings often encourage more candid conversations and help participants stay focused on the task at hand.

Maintaining Attention and Focus

Research suggests that the average person can maintain focused attention in a virtual team meeting for only about 10-18 minutes before getting distracted (HBR, 2020).To keep participants engaged, vary the pace and types of activities throughout the session. This might include alternating between presentations, discussions, and interactive activities. Use frequent pauses and breaks to allow participants to process information and rest. This will help prevent information overload and reduce the likelihood of losing focus.

Implement gamification elements, such as leaderboards or points, to maintain interest and encourage active participation. Address participants by name to foster a sense of connection and maintain attention. This simple tactic can make a significant difference in keeping participants engaged.

Providing and Seeking Feedback

Encourage participants to provide feedback during and after the session. Their input can help you identify areas of improvement and enhance the engagement and effectiveness of future sessions. Use participant feedback to continuously refine your approach and adapt to the needs of your audience.

Monitor team engagement through analytics tools, such as attention and participation metrics, if available. These tools can provide valuable insights into how well your strategies are working and help you identify areas for improvement.

Summary

Creating engaging virtual team meetings and training sessions is crucial for effective communication and learning. By setting clear objectives, promoting active participation, maintaining attention and focus, and seeking feedback, you can win the battle against multitasking and keep your team engaged. Give these strategies a try in your next virtual team meeting or training session and witness the positive impact on participant engagement and focus.

About the Author: Leigh Ann Rodgers, Founder of Better Teams, Team Consultant Academy, and FORWARD, is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator with 20 years of experience in the human development field. Leigh Ann is a skilled meeting facilitator, trainer, and coach working across the globe to help leaders cultivate teams that are happy and high-performing.

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