4 reasons for input on tech & netiquette at the event start – even today!

“Really? A slide on using ZOOM and how to raise my virtual hand? Believe me, I can do that! Don’t need that anymore!”

Yes you do!

At BusinessMind, we always start our virtual workshops and training courses with a short, simple warm-up. Here we have explained why we consider this super important.

This is immediately followed by a short input on tech & netiquette.

We explain:

  • Which video conferencing tool do we use today and how do we work with it?
  • How do we communicate today?
  • What are the rules for collaboration during our event?
Eine Powerpoint Slide mit Input zu Tech & Netiquette

After 2 years of pandemic, you may now think: “Uhhh, seriously? I can work with ZOOM. Thanks. Boring!”

Well. We’ll just disagree with that. And below, we’ve listed four reasons that back up our opinion.

4 reasons why tech & netiquette is still needed after 2 years of virtual collaboration.

  1. First and most important reason: not everyone always uses ZOOM. Or MS Teams.

Sometimes I use the same tool for a long time and am already a super PRO in it. Then the project partner organizes a meeting via WEBEX and suddenly I don’t even know where to turn on my camera.

So just don’t assume anything.

ALWAYS explain at least the most necessary things to your participants. This will cost you a minute. Where do you turn the video on/off? How do they mute themselves? How do they virtually raise their hand?

Not everything has to be on this first slide (e.g. how do we use the external tool if necessary – that will do later). But make clear how you interact here and now and who your participants can turn to in case of an emergency (here’s a reminder: NEVER NEVER NEVER do without this without a technical support!).

  1. Pay respect to the first phase of your group’s development.

You may remember our series of articles on the five phases of group development. In the first phase – forming – your group needs a lot of guidance and direction.

It’s important for them to know: how can I interact? Ask my questions? Make my comments? Where can I turn with problems, for example, when I am not comfortable using the external tool?

Addressing this phase at least briefly is extremely important. This is where you get your participants on board, help them feel safe and know how they can get involved if needed. Always remember the expression, “You made your bed, now sleep in it.

Eine Frau hält sich einen Laptop über den Kopf. Sie scheint verwirrt. Über ihr sechs schwarze Fragezeichen
  1. Set the Spirit – Create your meeting culture.

Right NOW – at the beginning of your meeting – is your chance to set the spirit of your meeting.

“Yes, we’re all turning on the camera!”

“Why?”

“Because we will be interacting a lot today. Especially in the break out sessions. It’s just rude when your counterpart has to talk to a black screen. Hence, “Camera on!””

Again, “You made your bed, now lie in it“. The three minutes at the beginning usually won’t hurt you, but they can have a significant impact on the course of your virtual meeting.

ADDITIONAL TIP: you can even create the spirit for your meeting before your meeting even starts. In your pre-mailings / advance information, be open, warm, create a welcoming culture. Be available for questions, provide important information in advance. At BusinessMind, we have created a pre-video on tech & netiquette, which we usually send out with the pre-mailings.

  1. Use the time for omega rochades and common rules

Right at the beginning you can take the wind out of the sails of those among your participants who, for example, prefer to leave the camera off and the microphone on. Those, who later complain in the feedback that the parallel discussion in the chat was distracting, those, who talk for five minutes at a time about things that are only relevant to them.

“We invite you to ask your questions and actively participate in the discussion. But please keep in mind that we only have XX hours in total today, so try to keep your input concise and to the point, so that really everyone who wants to will have the same opportunity to contribute today.”

Again, in essence, we come back to the fact that during the first minutes of your event, together with warm-up, agenda and (don’t forget!) goals and non-goals, you have the chance to create a good basis for further collaboration. Set the stage. A few minutes on tech & netiquette are an absolute must for us.

What do you think about that? What do the first 10 minutes of your meeting look like? Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments!

Best wishes,
Your BusinessMind Team