What do you do if you're struggling to actively listen in virtual meetings?

2 Set Intentions

As you enter a virtual meeting, set clear intentions to stay engaged. Remind yourself why the meeting is important and what you hope to gain from it. This mental preparation aligns your focus with the meeting's objectives and primes you for active listening. It's also helpful to acknowledge that listening is an active process that requires your full participation. By setting intentions, you're committing to the practice of emotional intelligence by being present and empathetic to the speaker's message.

3 Body Language

Your body language is crucial even in a virtual setting. Sit up straight and maintain eye contact with the camera to mimic the connection you would have in person. This not only signals to others that you are engaged but also helps you stay focused. Mirroring the speaker's body language can also enhance empathy and understanding. Remember, non-verbal cues are a significant part of communication, and being mindful of your own can improve how you listen and are perceived by others.

4 Active Engagement

Engagement is key to active listening. Use the chat function to ask questions or provide feedback when appropriate. This shows the speaker that you are following along and value what they're saying. If possible, paraphrase their points or ask clarifying questions to ensure you've understood correctly. Active engagement not only benefits your understanding but also encourages a more interactive and dynamic meeting environment, which can enhance everyone's listening experience.

5 Reflect and Adapt

After each meeting, take a moment to reflect on your listening performance. Did you understand the main points? Were there moments when your attention waned? Use this reflection to adapt your approach for future meetings. Perhaps you need to take more detailed notes or adjust your environment further to reduce distractions. Continuous self-reflection and adjustment are at the heart of emotional intelligence and can lead to lasting improvements in your ability to actively listen.

6 Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with the current moment. Integrating mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or brief meditation before a meeting, can help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety or restlessness. This prepares your mind for focused attention and active listening. With regular practice, mindfulness can significantly improve your emotional intelligence, allowing for better control over your reactions and interactions during virtual meetings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?