Video conferences allow remote board members to see one another, even when they are using different devices. For their meetings, nonprofits can pick from a range of video conference platforms, such as Zoom, GoToMeeting WebEx, and Google Meet. Nonprofits can also utilize software for managing boards that includes a meeting interface that allows remote participation.
While the majority of discussions at a meeting are conducted using audio however, the ability to see faces can encourage more interactive and interactive meetings. To ensure everyone can be heard, have the chair invite board members who haven’t spoke and limit the number of people speaking at a time. This ensures that no one individual is in charge of the discussion and allows for a more balanced process of decision making. To minimize background noise, have attendees turn off their phones and use the mute function when they’re not talking.
Some directors are not familiar with the virtual meeting platform and are reluctant to speak up which can hinder their participation and the effectiveness of the meeting. This issue can be solved with an easy-to-use interface for meetings, a training session that teaches attendees about the software, and letting participants to practice prior to the meeting. The board may also establish an agenda that is precise and limits the length of each item in order to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and the desired outcome is reached. Board directors can highlight documents on their computers and make notes to enhance their engagement and speed the meeting. They can share their annotations with other members to improve collaboration and enhance the quality of their minutes.
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