Remote meetings are a crucial aspect of collaboration, especially for teams with distributed members. However, they can be less efficient than meetings in person when you don’t adhere to the correct manner of conducting meetings. However, many of the same strategies that make meetings productive and enjoyable in person can be used in virtual meetings. Here are 13 methods to conduct successful remote meetings, courtesy of members of the Forbes Coaches Council:

1. Use an agenda.

Begin the meeting with an agenda to keep the meeting on track and avoid getting caught in conversational nonsense. If possible, draft the agenda ahead of time, with suggestions from attendees and present it at beginning of the session.

2. Encourage everyone to speak up.

A few people are reluctant to attend https://boardmeetingonline.net/how-powerful-data-room-ma-may-be/ online meetings because they are afraid of taking over the conversation or getting interrupted. Consider using a conference call camera and microphone which will remove background noises and amplify everyone’s voice equally. And always ask for questions or comments at end of the meeting to ensure that everyone is heard.

3. Make sure you focus on action items and follow-up.

Meetings typically end with vague action items, and there is no clear plan for follow-up. To prevent this from happening, agree on how actions will be documented and followed up at the start of the meeting. Then, review them at the conclusion of the session. It’s also a good idea to set up follow-up one-on-one meetings or a second team meeting within a reasonable time frame.