Problem: I tune out when the person leading the call talks too much.
Explanation: First off, it’s great to have someone leading the call! A call of more than six people generally requires a leader to set and move the agenda. Otherwise, you’ll get into a conversation that doesn’t work. Think about it: When have you ever had a good conversation with more than six people present?
Another reason this happens is the mute factor: When others are on mute and the one speaking has no way to judge if what they are saying is actually getting through, they overcompensate… And talk more. A lot more. And then some more. “Is this thing even on?”

Solution: At THNK, we stick to a 20/80 principle in our sessions, both in-person and online. We talk 20% of the time (at most), and participants speak and work 80% of the time. In experiential learning, the more the “teacher” speaks, the less experience everyone gets and the less learning is actually achieved. In order to maintain this online, you need to prepare. Adjust your session and think of it in terms of slides. What could you show on a slide that everyone can follow and enjoy? Simple, short slides act as a convergence tool for our thoughts. You might not even need to use them but if you do, people who are visually oriented will at least understand you more.
In its premium package, Zoom offers a very easy way of getting everyone into breakout rooms. This is where the magic can happen if the participants have a clear set of instructions on what their conversation should be about.
In short: Start with a plenary beginning > go into breakout as soon as possible > converge in plenary