SOCIALIFE
WHAT THE!~
ETIQUESTIONS Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa
Is it considered ok to multitask while attending a virtual event? It is so tempting, since we are all not actually in the same room physically. This is a great question! You are right that it is tempting to multitask while attending a virtual event. However, just like you would refrain from multitasking during an in person event, it is a good idea to avoid it when attending a virtual event as well. If you are unable to pay attention to the person speaking, it appears rude... whether in person or virtually. Try to set your computer up in a place where distractions are at a minimum.
I have been attending a lot of virtual events lately, and I am never sure what to do when someone on the line forgets to mute their microphone. Help!
I am hosting my first Zoom Cocktail Party this weekend, and I am not sure of what things I need to keep in mind to make this a great experience for everyone attending.
This is such a common issue these days. It is very important to mute your microphone when attending virtual events because it blocks out any background noise or any feedback that may occur if your microphone was unmuted the entire time. It is always a great idea to begin your virtual event with some reminders for everyone. Simply say, “please do not forget to mute your mic before we all get started so that we don’t have any background noise. Just unmute when you want to speak.” Then, if someone forgets, it is ok to say, “Can everyone make sure your microphone is muted? I keep getting some feedback on my end. Thank you.” It is never a great idea to call someone out individually or by name. Just make a broad statement, and you will see people will usually comply.
This is such a good question and such a fun event. Please take your duties as host seriously. Just as you would do in an inperson event, make sure to greet everyone when they log in. Facilitate the conversations and make sure that one person does not dominate the evening. Call on specific people and give them time to contribute to the conversation. At the end of the event, make sure to thank everyone for attending.
Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com
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