Interactivity is key and buy-in to the agenda is essential. Poll whether everyone is on board with the agenda. If not, make necessary changes and add breaks. Allow for real time pauses, so participants can reflect on the meeting content. Get data in real time, ask for feedback every 10mins. Avoid one voice speaking 100% to everyone else. True interactivity utilises many methods for participants to engage with inputs: visual, audio, kinaesthetic, movement, etc. Use variety in how participants can express their outputs, to hear from everyone in their own style. Include: visuals/images, music/sound effects, drawing/writing, movement/moving objects, quiet reflection time, advance preparation, and of course (but not only) speaking.

To ensure participants stay engaged and focused during a lengthy virtual meeting, maintain a clear agenda and break the meeting into manageable segments with regular breaks. Use interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or open discussions to encourage participation. Keep visuals appealing and relevant, and avoid long monologues by involving others with questions or tasks. Encourage active participation through chat, reactions, and Q&A sessions. Also, make sure to set expectations about attention and involvement, and periodically check in with participants to gauge understanding and interest.

Add interactivity to your topics regularly: it can be as simple as asking something in the chat or doing an exercise by going to the breakout rooms. It is also extremely important to plan for breaks, they are essential to digest received information. And rotating speakers is a great tip indeed, just make sure that there’s not a huge contrast in the levels of engagement between the speakers.

J’ai une technique infaillible éprouvée avec mes apprenants: il s’agit de faire des moments de pause où je ne parle plus pour voir leur réaction et à d’autres moments je pose des questions ciblées à deux ou trois apprenants… ils se sentent plus concernés !

Incorporate interactive features such as polls, breakout rooms, or Q&A sessions to keep participants actively engaged. Schedule brief breaks to help participants recharge and maintain focus throughout the meeting. Use clear visuals, streamlined presentations, and an engaging tone to ensure the content remains compelling and relevant.