Virtual meetings are a lifesaver, you can join one while you’re in transit or whipping up a new dish in your kitchen. And as remote work and virtual collaboration are the norm, it is only right that virtual meetings should feel as natural as face-to-face conversations. Yet, many of us still find ourselves trapped in awkward silences, talking over each other, or feeling disconnected.
If your virtual meetings often feel forced or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. But the good news is that with a few simple adjustments and Studio, you can turn them into smooth, engaging, and productive sessions.
Let’s explore why virtual meetings feel awkward and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Why Do Virtual Meetings Feel So Awkward?
1. Little or No Nonverbal Cues
In physical meetings, we rely on subtle signals—like raised eyebrows, nods, or a shift in posture—to read the room and respond accordingly. In virtual meetings, these cues often get lost due to lagging video, small screens, or participants keeping their cameras off. Without these signals, conversations can feel unnatural, leading to misunderstandings and awkward pauses.
2. “Is It My Turn to Speak?” Moments
Unlike in-person discussions where conversational flow is intuitive, virtual meetings lack natural rhythm. Without clear visual cues, people hesitate to jump in, creating long silences, or worse, multiple people speaking at once. The result? Awkwardness and frustration.
3. Overly Formal or Rigid Structures
Virtual meetings often follow strict agendas that leave little room for organic conversation. Unlike casual office interactions where ideas flow naturally, virtual meetings can feel mechanic, reducing engagement and spontaneity.
4. Distractions and Multitasking
It’s easy to tell when someone is disengaged in a physical meeting. In virtual settings, people often check emails, scroll through social media, or zone out while pretending to listen. This lack of attention weakens engagement and makes meetings feel disconnected.
How to Make Virtual Meetings Feel More Natural and Engaging
1. Create Space for Small Talk
Don’t dive straight into business—start with a quick check-in. A simple “How’s everyone’s week going?” can make meetings feel more personal and engaging. Encouraging casual conversations at the start helps break the ice and sets a more relaxed tone.
2. Use an Active Host
A great meeting host makes all the difference. Active engagement from the meeting host can make all the difference. Summarize key points and check in frequently to maintain clarity and keep everyone aligned. To prevent meetings from feeling like a monologue, consider rotating hosts. With Studio, hosts can share hosting privileges, fostering a more interactive and dynamic meeting experience.
3. Leverage Interactive Features
Keeping participants engaged is crucial. Use polling, breakout rooms, reactions, and chat features to encourage participation. Studio’s Random Speaker Select allows hosts to randomly engage participants, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute. This is especially great for engaging quieter participants.
4. Optimize Your Setup
Poor audio and video quality contribute to awkward meetings. Ensure:
- A stable internet connection to reduce lag. Studio allows you to check your connection strength and, as a host, monitor participants’ network status for a smoother experience.
- A well-lit environment so facial expressions remain visible and communication feels more natural.
5. Choose the Right Platform
Many video conferencing tools focus on just getting people into a meeting rather than making that meeting productive and enjoyable. Studio bridges this gap with high-quality video, interactive collaboration tools, and intuitive engagement features—ensuring virtual meetings feel more like real conversations.
Ready to experience the difference? Try Studio today.
