How to Run an Effective Virtual Meeting with a New Team

With the increasing popularity of remote work and virtual meetings, it is becoming more common to meet new people through a screen. Whether you're hosting a job interview or conducting a virtual workshop, it can be challenging to establish a connection with people you meet for the first time through a virtual platform. However, there are ways to make the experience more enjoyable and engaging for everyone involved.

Icebreaker questions

One way to start off a virtual meeting with people you meet for the first time is through icebreaker questions. These questions are designed to get to know each other in a lighthearted and non-threatening way. It's important to keep in mind that icebreaker questions should be relevant to the meeting and appropriate for the audience.

Here are some examples of icebreaker questions that can help break the ice and create a more comfortable environment:

• What led you to this virtual meeting today?
• What are your expectations towards the meeting?
• What is something you're excited to learn or discuss today?
• What's your favorite way to spend your free time?

Using icebreaker questions can help to establish a more relaxed and comfortable environment, making it easier for everyone to participate in the meeting.

Team building games

Another way to build a connection with people you meet for the first time is through team building games. These games are designed to promote collaboration, communication, and trust among team members. While it may seem daunting to play games with people you just met, it can be a great way to break down barriers and establish a rapport with each other.

Using team building games can help to create a more engaging and interactive virtual meeting, and can also help to establish a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.

To learn more about team games, visit eteambuilding.org

Examples of team building games

Here are some examples of team building games that can be played virtually:

• Two Truths and a Lie: Each person takes turns sharing three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is false. The rest of the group has to guess which statement is false.
• Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items that each person has to find in their home within a set amount of time. The person who finds the most items wins.
• Pictionary: Use a virtual whiteboard or screen sharing feature to play Pictionary. Draw a picture for the other participants to guess what it shows.