{"id":8950,"date":"2022-12-16T08:00:38","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T08:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=8950"},"modified":"2023-08-10T17:30:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T17:30:46","slug":"what-is-a-virtual-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-a-virtual-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Meetings &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pSxcof1n4Os\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBeing able to communicate through a camera is an essential skill. It\u2019s powerful. It\u2019s immediate. It\u2019s often necessary to reach global audiences.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-Karin M. Reid, On-Camera Speaking Coach<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual meetings are here to stay. Whatever happens with Covid and other health concerns, we will never go back to an in-person-only meeting world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are interested in becoming a great emcee (and I know you are because you\u2019re reading this), you will want to <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-the-role-of-the-master-of-ceremonies\/\">master the world<\/a> of online meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s begin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>See Related:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/unexpected-events\/\">Unexpected Situations &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Three Types of Virtual Events<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. The online event<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where the meeting happens completely online. Most participants will be in their home and\/or office setting, not in an auditorium, hotel, ballroom, theater, et cetera.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For these types of meetings, it\u2019s important that you structure everything you say and do toward the virtual environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. The hybrid gathering\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This format is becoming more and more popular. Some attendees are live and in-person at the physical venue, while other participants, speakers, and attendees are joining in online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to effectively hosting an event like this is to remember that you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/spotme.com\/blog\/hybrid-event-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">speaking to two audiences<\/a>. Chances are, you will be hosting at the in-person venue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The temptation here is to address only those who are physically in the room with you and allow others to simply watch, as though they\u2019re viewing a television show or YouTube video.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8958\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings.jpg\" alt=\"What is a virtual meeting virtual meeting software video conferencing virtual meetings successful virtual meeting schedule meetings virtual meetings\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-is-a-virtual-meeting-virtual-meeting-software-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-schedule-meetings-virtual-meetings-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t make this mistake. Keep in mind that you are really speaking to two sets of eyes and two sets of ears at all times. You want to welcome and address the in-person attendees while also welcoming and connecting with those online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your number one goal in this situation? To make these two groups feel like they\u2019re part of one shared experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. The tuned-in tribe<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where an event is happening at a physical location and others are watching it by replay after the fact. In this context, it\u2019s still important to address the audience viewing, but you can do this in a more casual manner and play to the crowd in the seats, knowing that others will be watching it later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Emceeing a Virtual Event is Different\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hosting an online meeting is different from hosting an in-person event in a number of ways. There\u2019s a different energy. There\u2019s a different level of engagement. There\u2019s a different level of excitement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can sound like negatives, and they often are\u2013 but they don\u2019t have to be. You simply have to be flexible and willing to make adjustments. With the right perspective and proper planning, you can make your virtual event just as exciting and engaging as an in-person meeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many positive things about virtual events as well. For example, you can involve a larger community than is possible at a strictly in-person event. Oftentimes, virtual meetings are a lot less expensive as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also find that you are more comfortable and relaxed on camera than on a stage with a live audience of hundreds of people. The point I\u2019m trying to make here is that <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it will be whatever you make it. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, make it memorable!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Emceeing a Virtual Event is the Same<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, there are some similarities between virtual events and in-person events. Firstly, you can still connect with people\u2013 you\u2019re just doing it in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.today.com\/tmrw\/6-tips-make-most-small-spaces-t218828\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">smaller space<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can still communicate ideas and entertain your audience. You can still positively impact people and promote the company that hired you in a fun, entertaining way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8956\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-platforms-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-collaboration-tools-screen-sharing-video-conferencing.jpg\" alt=\"Video conferencing virtual meetings successful virtual meeting platforms video conferencing virtual meetings collaboration tools screen sharing video conferencing\" width=\"1350\" height=\"759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-platforms-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-collaboration-tools-screen-sharing-video-conferencing.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-platforms-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-collaboration-tools-screen-sharing-video-conferencing-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-platforms-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-collaboration-tools-screen-sharing-video-conferencing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-successful-virtual-meeting-platforms-video-conferencing-virtual-meetings-collaboration-tools-screen-sharing-video-conferencing-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important thing to know for a virtual event in terms of working as a master of ceremonies is that your essential role is the same: keeping the train on the tracks and making sure everyone feels connected to you, the sponsoring organization, the theme of the event, and the content that is being delivered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Five Factors for Maximizing Your MC Work in the Virtual Arena<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Your virtual meeting platform<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as an in-person event has a stage or physical platform, you also have a platform\u2013 it\u2019s just a little different. Get to know how to use it if you don\u2019t know already. Most likely, it will be Zoom, Google Meetup, or another virtual meeting application.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t attempt to <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">emcee an event<\/a> on a platform you\u2019re not already familiar with. If you\u2019re newer to the virtual meeting medium (and chances are you\u2019re not unless you\u2019ve been born in the last year or two), do some research ahead of time and make sure to familiarize yourself with the virtual platform you will be using.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Your partners<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some key people you want to stay connected with throughout a virtual meeting, as well as some important factors to consider. Will you be the one sharing the screen?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will you be the one running the audio, or is someone within the organization doing that? Is there an online producer who will be connecting the platform to the various presenters?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as in an in-person event, it\u2019s very important to have one or more talk-through meetings so you have clarity on who\u2019s doing what, where they\u2019re doing it from, and when they are participating.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Your program<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the factor that is practically identical to an in-person event. Just like at an in-person event, you must operate from a written agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8957\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection.jpg\" alt=\"Virtual meetings video conferencing remote team members virtual meeting solutions virtual meeting tools virtual meetings advantages internet connection\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Virtual-meetings-video-conferencing-remote-team-members-virtual-meeting-solutions-virtual-meeting-tools-virtual-meetings-advantages-internet-connection-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The environment for virtual meetings has become much more casual than many in-person meetings, but that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t approach it in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monster.ca\/career-advice\/article\/10-ways-to-be-professional-at-work-canada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">professional manner<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should still make use of a prewritten run of show (ROS) or meeting agenda. The advantages of this remain the same:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It enables you to get everyone on the same page\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It allows everyone involved to work from a shared written document<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can easily make changes without having to start from scratch<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. Your meeting participants<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are emceeing a virtual event, you will still be introducing key leaders, guest speakers, and other presenters. Don\u2019t forget the other participants who are super important: your audience. Look for ways to engage and re-engage with them, whether they are physically there with you or not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a suggestion: encourage the sponsoring organization to send out an \u201cexperience box.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will allow everyone in the meeting to have a shared experience. Whether it\u2019s opening a box full of surprise items, unwrapping a gift, or enjoying a book, the key is the together factor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though it may be harder to actively involve your audience members in a virtual event, it is not impossible. You\u2019ll simply have to be a little more creative in finding ways to include the attendees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Your power<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emceeing an online event is often more challenging than an in-person event because it\u2019s harder to feel the reactions of attendees, and it can be hard to know whether they are truly connecting with you. But remember, you are still the orchestra leader.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your power is in your ability to make everyone feel included. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/theyec\/2020\/04\/16\/14-ways-to-encourage-engagement-with-your-brand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Generate as much engagement<\/a> as possible and\u2013 just like in an in-person event\u2013 leave your audience wanting more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like at in-person events, there are certain mistakes you want to avoid during your virtual meetings. To help you put on a smooth virtual event, let\u2019s go over some things to stay away from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bonus:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/transitions-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">Transitions &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>10 Don\u2019ts for Hosting Virtual Events<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Don\u2019t lose the energy.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be hosting the event from your own office or home studio, but it\u2019s important to remember that you still need to set the tone for the event. Model the level of energy you want people to experience, and take the time to smile, raise your voice, and have fun! It will be contagious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8954\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call.jpg\" alt=\"Next virtual meeting internet connection web conferencing effective virtual meeting first virtual meeting types of virtual meetings next meeting productive meeting conference call\" width=\"1350\" height=\"904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call-600x403.jpg 600w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Next-virtual-meeting-internet-connection-web-conferencing-effective-virtual-meeting-first-virtual-meeting-types-of-virtual-meetings-next-meeting-productive-meeting-conference-call-400x269.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>2. Don\u2019t forget to engage.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for ways that you can invite participation from all the attendees. Again, this will involve a little bit (or maybe a lot) of creativity on your part, but the more you can get other people to talk and interact, the more enjoyable the experience will be. Of course, don\u2019t forget to remind people to unmute themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are plenty of ways you can engage with attendees online. For example, you could create a trivia contest or play a quick game of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Name That Tune. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could also have a raffle and randomly draw the name of one or more attendees to win a prize.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Don\u2019t exclude anyone.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have to make a confession: I hosted an important virtual meeting recently, and I blew it. I saw seven or eight key people on my screen and didn\u2019t realize that there were another four or five people who were not showing up on my screen. So rather than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaplanpathways.com\/blog\/why-is-inclusion-important\/#:~:text=When%20people%20feel%20included%20they,from%20a%20completely%20different%20background.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">including everyone<\/a>, I only focused on the ones I could see.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I hope you will learn from my mistake and remember this valuable lesson: be sure you\u2019re clear about who needs to be involved in the program and don\u2019t move on until you\u2019ve included everyone attached to the agenda.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Don\u2019t embarrass.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it may be tempting to poke fun at someone who forgot to turn off their video or unmute themselves, don\u2019t. You want to create an environment that\u2019s welcoming for everyone, not one in which people are afraid to make a mistake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Don\u2019t expect seamless.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like in-person events have their bumps, I\u2019ve never been involved with an online event that didn\u2019t have some surprise glitches or other challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8955\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation.jpg\" alt=\"Remote meetings face to face meetings stable internet connection office space a few minutes casual conversation\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Remote-meetings-face-to-face-meetings-stable-internet-connection-office-space-a-few-minutes-casual-conversation-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we have said in other chapters, you just say \u201cyes\u201d and move on. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diversityjobs.com\/career-advice\/team-building\/how-to-handle-your-mistakes-like-a-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">become a real pro<\/a>, you learn how to work these bumps into your presentation and make them part of the fun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Don\u2019t forget your environment.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you look good, you sound good, and you feel good. If hosting the meeting from home, take the time to develop or create a home studio with adequate lighting\u2013 and if you must invest in one thing, invest in a professional microphone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Don\u2019t use elaborate slides.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If possible, have someone else operating slides or sharing screens so that you can focus on <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">staying connected to the attendees.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage other presenters to keep their slides to a minimum, and when the slides are used, to make them crystal clear. Extra points if no one uses an Excel sheet!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Don\u2019t lose eye contact.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of the camera\u2013 whether a physical camera in your studio or the lens on your laptop\u2013 as your window to the heart of your attendees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s tempting to look at the main part of your computer screen, but really you want to be looking directly into the camera and speaking in a conversational way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also be tempted when other <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-funny-keynote-motivational-speakers\/\">speakers are presenting<\/a> to look away, take a stretch break, or grab a coffee, but don\u2019t make this mistake if you can help it. Stay \u201con\u201d even when it\u2019s not your turn to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Don\u2019t make excuses.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do I mean by this? I simply mean don\u2019t give in to regret about the fact that your event isn\u2019t an in-person one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, bring enthusiasm to your audience. Embrace the fact that you are meeting online in a way that gets the attendees excited to be a part of this unique experience. If you make the most of it, they will too!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8953\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually.jpg\" alt=\"Multiple time zones face to face meeting virtually microsoft teams meeting virtually\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Multiple-time-zones-face-to-face-meeting-virtually-microsoft-teams-meeting-virtually-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As I mentioned earlier, one advantage of virtual meetings is that you can reach a wider audience than is otherwise possible. You can focus on this positive and say something like, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe are so delighted to be meeting as a team in this virtual world, and we\u2019re glad that you\u2019re here! Welcome to everyone around the world.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Don\u2019t fail to create an experience<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that your job as a master of ceremonies is to keep the train on the tracks and make it to your destination. The destination that everyone wants\u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetingplay.com\/blog\/top-ten-tips-meeting-planners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meeting planner<\/a>, the head of the company, and especially the audience\u2013 is a shared experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the focus on warmth, fun, and meaningful content, and you\u2019ll have a successful event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the other sections in this work have tips that apply to virtual events, but this is also a new arena for the whole world, so stay familiar with the ever-changing technology, be you, and don\u2019t forget to flash that smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Keep Reading:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/welcome-wrap-up-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">Welcome &amp; Wrap-Up &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an excerpt from<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/\"> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adam Christing<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018s forthcoming book, \u201cHow To Be A Great Emcee: The A to Z Guide to Hosting Events\u201d by America\u2019s #1 Master of Ceremonies. Follow along as new chapters get posted to this blog category each week.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cBeing able to communicate through a camera is an essential skill. It\u2019s powerful. It\u2019s immediate. It\u2019s often necessary to reach global audiences.\u201d\u00a0 -Karin M. Reid, On-Camera Speaking Coach Virtual meetings are here to stay. Whatever&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8959,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[92,76,146,186],"class_list":{"0":"post-8950","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-how-to-be-a-great-emcee","8":"tag-how-to-be-a-great-emcee","9":"tag-virtual-event","10":"tag-virtual-master-of-ceremonies","11":"tag-virtual-meeting"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Virtual Meetings: Top Tips &amp; Best Practices When Hosting | Adam Christing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-a-virtual-meeting\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Virtual Meetings: Top Tips &amp; Best Practices When Hosting | Adam Christing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cBeing able to communicate through a camera is an essential skill. 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