Why should you include quick warmups at the start of online calls?

1 They help familiarise everyone with the technology. Then it’s less likely that people will feel excluded or marginalised.

EXAMPLE: Here’s a simple warmup which works well with larger groups…

If the technology allows it, invite participants to change what shows on their name line, by adding their location after their name. Now at any time during the call, we all know where everyone is – a hint of connection in our new global settings.

2 They create engagement – so it’s more likely that people will follow the topic closely and be willing to participate.

EXAMPLE: Here’s a quick activity to remind everyone that they are participating in the event, and that – flat-screen-land appearances notwithstanding – we have bodies and we can move them.

Invite everyone to follow the actions of the leader (and then nominate the next leader as they pass it on). As facilitator, you can be the first leader, and make easy-to-follow hand or head movements, before nominating the person to whom you are passing on. It’s an energising reminder that we are all human, engaged in the instance of this call in some collective enterprise.

For more online activities read…Simple activities for Zoom