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Jacqui O'Loughlin headshot
Jacqui O’Loughlin/National Networks Program Team Leader
2 mins read·May 18th, 2020

Some MHPN networks have joined the video conference wave and moved their face-to-face meetings to the online space. Although this is a great way for networks to keep meeting, it provides a bit of extra thinking for the coordinator or facilitator of the group.

Here are our 10 top tips for facilitating online meetings:

  • Prepare a run sheet of things to cover, timeline and objectives, get in touch with your Project Officer for an editable template.
  • Sending an agenda with the meeting invitation helps to set the scene for network members – perhaps you’d like to pose a question along with the agenda to help engage the members into a discussion.
  • Welcome everyone as they join, as you would at a face-to-face meeting; this helps create a warm environment to encourage discussion and set scene for the meeting.
  • Talk to the camera as you would a colleague at a meeting, this will help keep the members engaged.
  • Use the technology features to support the format of meeting you are aiming for, for example use the chat box for questions, this way you can set aside some time to address.
  • The raise hand feature is useful to help guide a group discussion and also lets you invite those who haven’t contributed yet.
  • Make sure you are in a well lit room; avoid shadows on your face by having light shining from behind your screen/webcam. A desk lamp or standard lamp can come in handy.
  • Don’t sit too far away from your computer, a shot of your head and shoulders works best.

Check your background isn’t too cluttered or distracting.

Book in a virtual meeting room tour with your Project Officer today, to ensure you you get the most out of your online meeting.

Bonus Tip…

To ensure you can be heard by the participants, use a headset or earphones with a mic and make sure it’s plugged in correctly.

Bonus tip for laptop users…

For a more flattering angle and to avoid looking down at your camera try resting your laptop on a stack of books when seated at a table, aim to raise your camera to just above eye level.

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The Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri and the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which our office is situated. We also acknowledge Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.