How Nonprofits Can Run More Effective Zoom Calls
I’m excited to share that I was recently featured in the July 2024 issue of the Nonprofit Communications Report (see page 4). The article covered best practices for group Zoom calls — a topic every nonprofit leader should be thinking about in today’s remote-first world. You can view the report PDF further down this page.
Running effective online meetings is crucial for nonprofits. Whether you are hosting staff meetings, volunteer orientations, donor briefings, or educational workshops, how you manage your Zoom calls has a direct impact on engagement, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising.
1. Start on Time to Respect Everyone’s Schedule
Punctuality sets the tone. Beginning your Zoom call promptly communicates professionalism and respect for your participants. It also encourages others to show up on time, minimizing disruptions.
2. Welcome First-Time Attendees
Make sure newcomers feel included. A simple round of introductions or even a brief acknowledgment can foster community and make people more likely to return.
3. Ask Better Questions
Instead of saying, “Any questions?” — which often yields silence — try asking, “What questions do you have?” This small shift encourages participation and helps people feel their voices are welcome.
4. Master the Mute Function
Background noise is one of the quickest ways to derail a Zoom meeting. Nonprofit communications staff should be skilled at muting individuals quickly — or even muting all participants at once when necessary — to keep discussions focused and productive.
5. Share an Agenda in Advance
Distribute a clear agenda with objectives before the meeting. This ensures participants know what to expect, helps conversations stay on track, and prevents wasted time.
6. Provide Tangible Value
Every Zoom call should leave participants feeling it was worth their time. Whether that’s knowledge gained, decisions made, or community built, clarity of purpose is key.
Final Thoughts
Virtual meetings are here to stay, and nonprofits that excel at hosting engaging, efficient Zoom calls will stand out. By respecting people’s time, creating an atmosphere in which participants want to contribute and learn, and setting clear goals, your organization can maximize the impact of every online gathering.
I’m honored to have been quoted in the Nonprofit Communications Report (Page 4) and to continue sharing strategies that help nonprofits thrive.
How Nonprofit ICU Can Help
At Nonprofit ICU, I work with nonprofit leaders to strengthen their communications, technology, and fundraising systems. Effective Zoom calls are more than just smooth meetings — they can drive increased volunteerism, stronger connections with your organization, and even higher donations.
Nonprofits can also leverage tools like Airtable to track the types of events they can host and to embed a dynamically updated schedule of events directly into their website’s Events page, ensuring that supporters always know how to get involved.
If your nonprofit could use support improving its communications, technology, or strategy, please contact us!
