Types of Online Meetings To Leverage On Your Next Conference Call
Online meetings have become a part of our daily routines at work. A 2022 study showed that organizations spent around 15% of their time on meetings; however, further probing revealed that 71% of those meetings were considered unproductive. It is estimated that nearly $37 billion is lost annually due to unproductive meetings. To minimize this loss, knowing what types of online meetings work best for your needs is important.
Here are three types of online meetings and ways you can utilize them:
Teleconferencing (Audio only)
Teleconferencing is the most basic and accessible type of online meeting. It is also the most convenient as you only need a phone and a teleconferencing bridge to connect two or more participants.
Pros
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- Simple – Since you’re only using audio, teleconferencing’s biggest advantage is simplicity. You don’t need any fancy software or programs for it to work. You only need your trusted event conference call service.
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- Cost-effective – A teleconference can be a cost-effective solution for your team. This is a good alternative if you’re looking to cut down on expenses and save money.
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Cons
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- No visual aspect – Of course, when it comes to teleconferencing, there won’t be any visual aspect involved. You could miss social cues, fail to read body language, and more. There might be a disconnect between participants if not done right.
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- Equipment – For an audio-only meeting to happen, participants would need good audio equipment. This can pose a problem, as not everyone has good audio equipment or knows how to use it properly. This can lead to technical difficulties and audio discrepancies.
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Best for
Teleconferencing can be leveraged for quick daily meetings, debriefings, check-ins, and more. It’s quick, easy, and best for meetings that don’t need a lot of complicated elements or agendas.
Video conferencing (Audio and video)
Perhaps the most common of all virtual meeting examples is video conferencing. This time, computer cameras are used so participants can further interact with each other.
Pros
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- Visual aspect – With the addition of video, you have a visual aspect you can take advantage of. You’ll be able to see each other as the meeting goes, make eye contact, read body language, and be more engaging altogether.
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- Togetherness – Seeing each other on video can also give off a sense of togetherness. If you’re a remote team that rarely works together in person or in one place, video conferencing can offer the sense of togetherness your team needs.
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Cons
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- Software and/or equipment – Certain software and equipment might be necessary for video conferences to work. Your team might need to download a particular program, and you would need proper equipment for the video elements.
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- Security risks – Video conferencing may also come with security risks. Be careful when sharing room meeting links or software. You should also consider secure conferencing to protect against internet fraud, espionage, and cyber-attacks.
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Best for
Video conferencing is best utilized for monthly meetings, brainstorming sessions, sales meetings, or more. The video element facilitates smooth conversations and helps you connect with your participants, regardless of the agenda.
Web conferencing (Audio, video, and content)
Last but not least is web conferencing. This type of virtual meeting blends audio, video, and content. This means participants can share content (documents, slides, etc.) while in the meeting.
Pros
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- Collaborative – Web conferencing makes it easier for you and your team to collaborate. You can communicate well with each other, exchange opinions and suggestions, make crucial decisions, and more.
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- Engaging – Video, audio, and content sharing all together make for a much more engaging environment for your meeting. Participants can focus and have a better chance of adding to the conversation.
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Cons
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- Network issues – Network issues might be a regular occurrence when it comes to web conferencing. The fact that you have more elements, including files and slides, means you need more bandwidth.
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- Security risks – Security risks are even greater with web conference calls. This is because you also have content sharing as an aspect. You could be sharing crucial data and information, and if you’re not securing your calls, your online meetings are vulnerable.
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- Software and/or Equipment – Much like video conferencing, web conferencing might include particular software or equipment that can pose a problem for participants.
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Best for
Web conferencing works best when it comes to town hall meetings, brainstorming sessions, earnings call sessions, shareholder meetings, and more. This is one of the types of online meetings that can keep everyone engaged, focused, and productive.