I have generally found every one preparing for a physical meeting with more aplomb than for an online meeting. It has been a general practice to give an online meeting lesser importance than what they would give a normal meeting. The reasoning stems from the fact that every one is at their desk and they ‘think’ that they have all the information that they want at their desk. This is really a fallacy!

Your desk is possibly the most common place where you might lose your papers and things. No one would believe you if you say that you have never misplaced anything on your desk! It is very common. That is why, preparing for a meeting, even if it happens at your table is essential. Possibly much more important than if it is not happening at your desk. Most people would expect you to have more information at your disposal if the meeting is happening at your table.

Information in complete sync with your needs is essential to get through the meeting successfully. If you are planning to argue for or against any topic, ensure that you have appropriate statistics and information handy. A better presentation of the information is also needed to get your points across. It is not just hard information which is looked at by the participants. On most occasions, a better presented ‘mistake’ will be taken in rather than a badly presented ‘great idea’.

Collect the information you want and then organize it in such a way that you will leave an impression with the participants. They should be able to get the ideas that you want to impress upon them. This will ensure that your points are taken and the decision is closer to what you were expecting. This is the normal practice adopted by most of the people while doing a normal meeting. There is no difference whatsoever, while doing an online meeting.

You need to be prepared on the data as well as on the presentation side. Unless this is carried out, it is not something which will succeed. You need to ensure that your presentation reaches a crescendo while hitting at the bulls eye of the entire talk. Even if you are not giving a talk in the meeting, if you want to play an active role then you should be prepared for the meeting. Ideally, on all connected topics of the meeting so that you can provide suggestions and ideas to the entire crowd. The purpose of the meeting is served this way.