Have you ever been on a teleconference and wondered if anyone would notice if you dropped out? Have you ever heard an unfamiliar voice but didn't ask, "Who is that speaking?" Brad Power, an independent consultant and facilitator for the Star Alliance, a coalition of airlines from across the globe says, "Facilitation is key to effective virtual meetings. People from different cultures participate differently in virtual meetings, and non-native speakers may be less inclined to speak up."

Always start a meeting by introducing everyone in the meeting, and having each person speak. Then, ask people to identify themselves every time they speak. "This is Joe in San Francisco speaking. I wanted to add..."

Create a virtual conference table

Lisa Kimball, founder of GroupJazz (a pioneer in creating online communities), recommends creating a virtual conference table as a visual tool for sensing the entire group. At the beginning of each meeting, have attendees draw a circle on a piece of paper and put names around the clock face. Kate is at 1 o'clock, John at 2 o'clock, etc.

If you meet regularly with the same group, create a permanent version. Tom Kunz, a Global Finance Manager for Shell Chemical LP and an expert in building networks (virtual teams) at Royal Dutch Shell created a "people wheel" for the Shell Chemicals Value Network. The wheel is a graphic with each person's picture around a circle. At each meeting the team kept the wheel visible and used it to call on individuals -- going around the "table" to make sure everyone is heard and no one is forgotten. There is something powerful about connecting with a person's picture, when you can't see them live.

Ask for responses

In a virtual meeting, it's not possible to read body language to tell who is in agreement, or who disagrees but isn't talking. Perhaps someone has more to say but doesn't get a chance. However, this is an opportunity to make clear what's often incorrectly assumed during a face-to-face meeting. At key points during a discussion call on individuals and ask what they are thinking. In addition, pay attention to who has not spoken recently and solicit input from those who are quiet. For many groups there is an unspoken assumption that silence means acceptance. Don't assume. It only takes a minute to check.

Facilitate between meetings

Both Tom Kunz and Brad Power add that great facilitation begins between meetings. "I had a personal relationship with each member," says Tom Kunz. "It allowed me to work issues with individuals and bring the right things to the meeting." Brad Power says, "By working with individuals between meetings, I had a good idea of how each person felt on the major issues, and could call on people when I knew they weren't speaking up."

	Tip 5: Take time to build relationships
	Tip 3: Determine what's best done in vs. out of the meeting
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