Video conferences enable members of remote boards to see one another, even if they’re using different gadgets. For their meetings, nonprofits can pick from a range of video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, GoToMeeting WebEx, and Google Meet. Nonprofits can also use board management software that has a meeting interface that allows remote participation.
The ability to observe the expressions of participants can lead to more interactive and participatory meetings. To ensure that everyone’s voice is heard the chair should invite members of the board who have yet to speak, and limit the number speaking simultaneously. This helps ensure that the discussion doesn’t become dominated by a single person and provides a more balanced decision-making process. To avoid background noise, participants should turn off their phones and press the mute button when not talking.
Some directors may not be familiar with the virtual meeting experience and may be hesitant to speak about it. This reduces their involvement and effectiveness. This can be addressed by providing a simple meeting interface, allowing a training session to familiarize attendees with the platform and encouraging them to practice before the actual meeting. The board can also establish an agenda with strict deadlines for each item. This will ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and that the desired outcome is achieved. Board members can highlight and note notes on documents that are digital to improve their participation and speed up the meeting. They can share their annotations with other members to encourage collaboration and enhance the quality of their minutes.
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