Due to the ongoing concerns about in-person meetings, many nonprofit board members now embrace hybrid meeting alternatives. For those governing bodies that decide to adopt an alternative to a hybrid model over the long haul, it’s important to prioritize engagement and provide high-quality virtual experiences for their attendees. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Start the meeting on the right note by introducing icebreakers and check-in activities. This helps attendees feel connected over their screens.
Choose a top video conference software that includes more than only meeting tools and audio. Choose a software that has accessibility features, for instance text-to-speech and dyslexia-friendly font, so that all your meeting participants can take part without any barriers.
Consider using a digital shared whiteboard tool like Mural or Miro to allow participants in person and remotely to work in real-time during the meeting. This will enable all participants to be able to see each other working together, and create documentation that will make an asynchronous follow-up process much more efficient.
Set time limits for comments that are made by in-person attendees and remote participants as you work through a certain topic. This will help to keep the discussion on track and avoid spending too much time discussing one topic. This will help keep meetings on the right track. For the most effective outcomes, it is essential for the chairperson of the board to be active during the meeting and to encourage participation from all attendees. The chair should my blog actively solicit feedback and interact with the audience, particularly those who are shy, to ensure that everyone is heard.