Video conferences enable remote board members to connect with one another, even when they are using different devices. Non-profits have the option of choosing from a number of low-cost or free video conferencing platforms for their meetings, including Zoom, GoToMeeting, WebEx and Google Meet. Nonprofits also have the option of using software for managing boards that includes a meeting interface that allows remote participation.
While the majority of discussions at a meeting are conducted by audio the ability to see face expressions can help encourage more interactive and interactive meetings. To ensure that everyone’s voice is heard the chair should call on members of the board who have yet to speak, and limit the number of people speaking at once. This helps ensure that the discussion isn’t concentrated by one person and provides a more balanced decision-making process. To reduce background noise ask attendees to turn off their mobile phones and use the silent button when they’re not talking.
Some directors will be unfamiliar with the virtual meeting platform and are hesitant to speak out, which limits their engagement and the effectiveness of the meeting. This can be addressed by providing a user-friendly meeting interface, offering a training session to familiarize participants with the platform and encouraging them to practice before the actual meeting. The board can also establish an agenda that is strictly controlled and restricts the length of each item to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and the desired result is reached. Board directors can highlight documents on their computers and take notes to increase their participation and speed up the meeting. They can share their annotations with other members to encourage collaboration and enhance the quality of their minutes.
