Write about an everyday event you deal with

At first it meant being ready 5 minutes early. Bathed dressed and hair combed. Camera on and a smile on the face. After a month things are different. Bathing happens on rare occasions when you or your significant other get grossed out. Hair follow the new style of being unkempt. Clothes are not changed but whatever you are wearing is fine.

Yes I am talking about online meetings. Some could be enough to send a well caffeinated person to instant sleep and others may instill hope and energy into the participants. In a way they seem to enhance what already existed.

Here are some tips to keep them lively.

Have an agenda shared and stick to it

I cannot stress this enough. You cannot have a meeting without knowing what the meeting is about. Only the agenda items are discussed. For any other discussions evaluate the people required and let the other go about their day.

Listen to everything

Yes most people doomscroll or play games. Listen to everyone so you know what is happening and what the outcome is. You never know which discussion finds a resolution faster with your input. Nobody wants to be chandler and go to Tulsa.

Talk in a clear, energetic and confident voice

Do not talk in a low drowsy voice. You know, the one which can instantly put people to sleep. Talk with energy. If you are excited then so are the others. If they are excited then they are not bored.

Think

Yes. This is crucial. Do not just answer the question as fast as you can. Think about the question. Then answer. Sometimes this makes a huge difference.