Answer & Explanation:
To regain control and refocus everyone in a Zo()om meeting when they're chatting and not contributing to the discussion, you can employ several strategies to create a more productive and organized environment:
1. Set Clear Expectations: At the beginning of the meeting, could you remind everyone of the purpose and agenda? Clearly state the importance of their participation in the discussion.
2. Use the Chat Function: Encourage participants to use the chat function for non-essential comments or questions during the meeting. This allows you to address off-topic comments separately without derailing the main discussion.
3. Address Off-Topic Discussions Politely: When you notice off-topic discussions happening during the meeting, gently steer the conversation back to the agenda. For example, you can say, "I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm, but let's focus on the agenda items first. We can discuss other matters later."
4. Call on Participants: Politely ask specific individuals for input on the current agenda item. This can help get the conversation back on track and involve everyone in the discussion. For example, you can say, "John, what are your thoughts on this topic?"
5. Time Management: Set a specific time limit for each agenda item and use a timer or clock to enforce it. Could you inform participants that you will move on to the following article when the time is up? This can motivate everyone to stay on topic and keep the meeting efficient.
Additionally, you can use Zo()om's features like "mute all" to silence participants' audio when they are not speaking temporarily and then unmute them when it's their turn to contribute.
Remember to maintain a positive and respectful tone throughout the meeting. The goal is to encourage active participation while ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
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