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Inspiration
Virtual etiquette body can see whether you're wearing sweat pants, for example.
The host should speak clearly, introduce speakers with confi-
dence, respond appropriately to questions and unexpected occur-
n light the COVID-19 pandemic, numer- rences, and remember to look into the camera.
ous organizations have pivoted to virtual 6. Engage the audience. Have participants say hello when they
events to replace traditional in-person join if the event is small enough. If not, when you begin, welcome
I gatherings. This is true not just of busi- everyone and say how much you appreciate their attending. Ask
nesses, but also of trade associations, faith questions throughout the event, and encourage responses. And
communities, educational organizations and schedule in stretch, chair yoga or other gentle movement breaks
nonprofits of all kinds. to get circulation going. Remember, just because people might be
relieved that they don't have to travel to a convention center and
For many, a learn-as-you-go approach has been schlep from room to room doesn't mean they'll want to sit quietly
imperative. For example, during a timed writ- as your presenters drone on.
ing exercise in a Zoom workshop, a dog barked
at a delivery arriving at the home of one of the Also, remember the advice your parents probably pounded home
participants. The dog owner was embarrassed, when you were small: practice makes perfect. You can strengthen
and the instructor realized she needed to tell your presentations skills this way, as well as discover any potential
everyone in advance to mute their audio during technical difficulties and iron them out in advance. And, if possible,
writing times. record the event so you can repurpose some of its content later for
Six tips educational purposes or to make connections on social media.
In addition to informing participants when,
how and why they need to sometimes mute
themselves, here are six things to keep in mind Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
when planning a virtual event.
1. Determine the true purpose of the event.
This will guide your planning, including ide-
al number of participants, who should attend,
who should present, what to emphasize and
how long the event should be.
2. Know your audience. Find out all you can We are here to help
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