Zoom meetings can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to juggle multiple tasks while engaging in a video chat. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and let anxiety take over.
However, there are strategies you can use to stay calm during a Zoom meeting.
Generally, all you need to do is to prioritize your task, take deep breaths, focus on the positive, plan ahead, set boundaries, take breaks and visualize success.
These simple tips can help you stay calm and collected during your next Zoom meeting. Hence, in this blog post, we’ll go into detail about the essential tips you need to follow to stay calm so you can make the most out of your Zoom meetings.
7 Strategies To Help You Stay Calm During a Zoom Meeting
Below are 7 strategies you can use to stay calm during a Zoom call.
Strategy #1: Prioritize Your Tasks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re likely taking on too much. If you have a busy schedule, prioritize your tasks to help you stay on your to-do list.
Create a task list that prioritizes your meetings, then break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you get more done quickly and stay focused and on track throughout your meeting.
Be sure to take advantage of any features the video platform may have to help manage your schedule and stay organized. For example, Zoom’s collaborative scheduling feature allows you to view your team’s schedule, invite guests, and view availability, so you can plan and manage meetings effectively.
Strategy #2: Take Deep Breaths
When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s easy to let these emotions take over. However, taking deep breaths can help you calm down and gain control of your feelings.
Deep breathing is a technique that has been used for decades as a way to relieve stress. Taking slow, deep breaths can help regulate your heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
When taking deep breaths, focus on your breathing. Don’t worry about what’s going on around you. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Breathe in for a few seconds, and then breathe out for a longer time. Continue taking deep breaths until you feel more relaxed and in control of your emotions.
Strategy #3: Focus on the Positive
If you find yourself stressed during your meeting, focus on the positive. Think about why you wanted to hold this meeting and what you want to come out of it.
Are you meeting with a client with a product you’re hoping to sell? Are you meeting with a colleague you’re trying to train? Think about your goal for the meeting, and keep it top of mind, so you don’t get distracted by other thoughts.
When you focus on the positive, you’ll be able to keep your emotions in check and stay in control of the meeting.
Strategy #4: Plan Ahead
If you know you’re meeting with clients or guests, plan your meeting ahead of time. This will help you stay on track, and it will reduce the amount of stress and anxiety you feel throughout your meeting.
If you’re planning a meeting with a client, review their documentation and background information beforehand to know what’s being discussed.
If you know the topic of the meeting and what’s being discussed, you won’t feel as nervous or anxious. With that, you’ll have an idea of what’s going on, which will help you stay in control of the conversation and manage your emotions.
Strategy #5: Set Boundaries
Meetings can often run long, which can cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed. However, you can set boundaries to help avoid feeling stressed or overwhelmed during your meeting.
Whether you’re meeting with a client or colleague, set a time limit for your meeting to help keep the conversation focused and on track.
Let them know that you only have a certain amount of time to meet with them and that you’ll try to wrap up the conversation as soon as possible.
Let your guest know that you have other priorities and would like to end on time. Hence, setting boundaries can help you feel less stressed and help keep your meeting under control.
Strategy #6: Take Breaks
Taking breaks during meetings can help you feel less stressed and overwhelmed. If you’re feeling anxious, take a break from the meeting to help calm your nerves. If you find yourself stressed, taking a short break can help you get your emotions under control.
Whether you take a walk around the office or step outside for fresh air, taking breaks between conversations will help you stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed during your meeting.
For instance, if you’re meeting with a client and feel overwhelmed, let them know you need to take a break. This will show them that you’re in control of the meeting and will help you take a step back to regain your composure.
Strategy #7: Visualize Success
If you feel stressed or anxious, visualize success. Imagine yourself having a special meeting with your guest or colleagues and ending on a high note.
Picture your meeting ending on a positive note, and let that visualization help you calm down and stay in control of the meeting. When you visualize success, you’ll feel more confident and less anxious.
This will help you stay in control of the meeting and keep your emotions in check.
It’s no secret that Zoom meetings have become a staple in the lives of professionals everywhere. Whether you’re leading a team meeting or attending a virtual happy hour, there’s no denying that Zoom has made connecting with others easier than ever before.
Conclusion
Staying calm during a Zoom meeting can be challenging, but with a few tips, you can remain calm, focused, and productive.
You need to prioritize your task, take deep breaths, focus on the positive, plan ahead, set boundaries, take breaks and visualize success.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling nervous or anxious about participating in virtual meetings – it’s completely normal! With some preparation and the right mindset, you can stay calm and focused during your next Zoom call.
FAQs
There is a limit of 100 participants for both Zoom pro and free accounts. However, you can host meetings with up to 300 attendees if you have a paid business account, and you can host meetings with up to 500 attendees if you have an enterprise account.
As long as the host schedules the meeting with particular parameters configured, it is possible to start or join a Zoom meeting without the host being present. The host must turn on the option to let attendees join before them when organizing a meeting and turn off the waiting room feature.
