What do you do if you're a nurse struggling to contribute in virtual team meetings and discussions?

1 Build Confidence

Building confidence is crucial for effective participation in virtual meetings. Start by recognizing your value as a nurse; your insights and experiences are unique and important. Prepare for meetings by reviewing the agenda, researching topics, and jotting down key points you want to share. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Remember, confidence grows with each contribution you make, so start small and build from there.

2 Technical Mastery

Technical difficulties can hinder your ability to contribute effectively. Ensure you're familiar with the virtual meeting platform being used. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection beforehand to avoid common technical issues. If possible, use a headset to minimize background noise. By mastering the technical aspects, you'll be able to focus more on the content of the meeting rather than the tools enabling it.

3 Active Listening

Active listening is a vital skill in virtual meetings. Pay close attention to the discussion, take notes, and show engagement through non-verbal cues like nodding. This prepares you to contribute meaningfully when the opportunity arises. If you have a question or comment, use the platform's 'raise hand' feature or type in the chat to signal your desire to speak, ensuring you do so respectfully and at the appropriate time.

4 Clear Communication

Clarity in communication is essential, especially in a virtual setting where visual cues are limited. Speak slowly and enunciate your words to ensure understanding. Be concise and stay on topic to keep the meeting focused. If you're not a native speaker or have a strong accent, don't be discouraged—your perspective is valuable, and your team will appreciate your efforts to communicate clearly.

6 Seek Feedback

Finally, seeking feedback from your peers or supervisors can provide insights into how you can improve your participation. Ask for constructive criticism on your contributions and technical setup. Use this feedback to refine your approach to virtual meetings. Remember, seeking and acting on feedback is a sign of professionalism and a commitment to personal growth.