Starting a Group Call
When you're about to start a group call, it's important to make sure everyone is ready. Send a quick reminder a few minutes before the call, letting everyone know the call is about to start. You can include a friendly reminder like, "Hey everyone, the call is starting in five minutes! 😊 Let's make sure we're all set to go."
Keeping Everyone Engaged
During the call, keeping everyone engaged is key. One great way to do this is by sharing interesting facts or asking questions about the topic you're discussing. For instance, you might say, "Did you know that effective communication can improve team productivity by up to 50%? 😲 What are your thoughts on that?"
Ending on a Positive Note
Wrapping up the call on a positive note is important to ensure everyone leaves with a good feeling. Before ending, summarize the main points discussed and thank everyone for their participation. You could say, "That was a really productive session! Let's all work towards implementing these ideas. Thanks to everyone for your contributions today 👏"
Follow-Up After the Call
A follow-up after the call helps to reinforce the discussion and keeps everyone on track. Send an email with the key points, action items, and any resources you promised to share. Adding a personal touch can make it even more effective, like, "I really enjoyed our discussion today. Let's continue to stay in touch and keep each other updated on our progress 😊"
Encouraging Feedback
Encouraging feedback after the call can help improve future meetings. Ask participants for their thoughts on how the call went and what can be done differently next time. A gentle nudge could be, "I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's call. What worked well and what could we improve on for next time?"
Handling Technical Issues
Technical issues can disrupt the flow of a group call. If you anticipate any, it's wise to prepare for them. For example, you might say, "If you encounter any technical issues during the call, feel free to mention them, and we'll work through them together 😊"
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Creating a comfortable and relaxed environment can make a big difference in how well everyone participates. Start the call with some light-hearted questions or jokes to set the tone. You could say, "Before we dive into our agenda, who here had the most interesting weekend? 😄"
Being Patient and Understanding
Patience and understanding go a long way in group calls. If someone seems hesitant or shy, gently ask them for their thoughts or ideas. A supportive way to do this could be, "I noticed you were nodding along, do you have any thoughts you'd like to share? 😊"
