To help ensure effective virtual meetings, the first step should be to?

Establishing rules or norms for virtual meetings is crucial for ensuring effective communication and collaboration among participants. This initial step sets the foundation for the meeting by creating an environment where everyone understands the expectations for behavior, engagement, and participation. Strong norms may include guidelines on how to use video and audio effectively, how to raise questions or contribute to discussions, and the importance of being present and attentive during the meeting.

While sending out an agenda in advance, querying participants on their preferences, and allotting time for each participant are all important strategies for effective meetings, they build upon the foundation established by having clear rules and norms. The rules help manage the dynamics of the group and facilitate a respectful and productive dialogue, ensuring that everyone feels valued and is encouraged to participate. Without these foundational norms in place, other elements, such as agendas or time management, may not have the desired impact on meeting effectiveness.