Do you start meetings with energy while waiting for attendees?

Waiting for participants to join a meeting can be awkward and make people feel disengaged. It's crucial for the meeting leader to maintain a positive and energetic atmosphere during this time to set the tone for the rest of the meeting.

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❌ Figure: Bad example - Awkward silence makes waiting uncomfortable

• Avoid sitting silently or showing frustration about the wait
• Do not dive into the main agenda without the key participants present
• Avoid using filler time to discuss irrelevant or heavy topics that could disengage participants
• Do not use this time just to look at yourself in the camera view

Here are some tips to ensure meetings start with energy and engagement while waiting for attendees:

1. Have Filler Conversations

Engage with those who have already joined by discussing light topics, recent wins, or non-work-related subjects. This helps break the ice and keeps the atmosphere lively.

2. Acknowledge New Participants

When someone new joins, pause the current conversation to acknowledge them. It’s a simple yet effective way to make everyone feel included.

Example:

• In chat, type: “Waiting for Bob”
• Say: “Welcome Mary, just waiting for Bob. We are currently talking about the status of the backlog while waiting.”

3. Avoid Jumping into the Agenda

Starting the agenda too early can cause confusion for latecomers. Instead, use this time for informal discussions or to recap previous topics lightly.

4. Use Humor or Share Light Stories

A good laugh can make people more comfortable and open to participation. Share an interesting story or a fun fact to ease the waiting time.

5. Encourage Participation

Ask questions that prompt responses from those present. This can be something simple like “How was your weekend?” or “What’s one thing you’re excited about this week?”

✅ Figure: Good example - Acknowledging new participants and keeping the conversation light and engaging

By following these tips, you can ensure that meetings start on a positive note, making everyone feel valued and engaged right from the beginning.