When you are running a virtual workshop or meeting, there are so many things that can distract the flow – ranging from annoying to pretty much driving you insane.  This is a great activity to run at the start of the session. With a bit of creativity and fun, you can keep your virtual meetings on track. 

Everyone creates their own cards symbolising comments, instructions or distractions, such as ‘there is too much background noise, please mute’. They hold them up in front of the camera when applicable.

Watch the video

Preparation

Tell everyone to have paper (ideally post-its or index card sized) and pen (sharpie or marker pen) available for the session.away.

Steps

1. Explain that you will start the session with a quick activity to make the rest of the session run smoother. Pick a number of cards to create (no more than 5) to symbolise for example:
   • Can’t hear you (eg ear crossed over)
   • Can’t see you (eg eyes crossed over)
   • Please mute (eg speaker mute symbol)
   • Agree or disagree (eg thumb up or thumb down)
   • I’ll be right back (eg BRB)
   • Let’s stay on track (eg Jellyfish or rabbit)
2. During the session, anyone can hold up their creation in front of the video camera. For example, showing the “Can’t hear you’ card when someone is speaking while still on mute.

Extra tips

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