Anyone else sick of awkward and boring Zoom family meetings consisting of the same old discussion topics?
Or how about those free-for-all family chats when everyone talks at the same time?
Then there’s the painful meetings when that family member (who shall not be named) hogs the spotlight the whole time.
We can do better. Especially during the holidays, We just need a plan. Here’s one.
“Let’s Elevate this Zoom Call Lest We Die of Boredom” Plan
Step 1: Who’s in charge of this rodeo?
Pick someone to run the show. A moderator is key to keeping the conversation on track, keeping the rambunctious & overly verbose under control, and encouraging the quiet ones to participate. I recommend choosing yourself for this position. Also, remember, the mute button is a powerful tool, don’t forget to use it. It’s perfectly fine to order others to use theirs too because it’s SO annoying when everyone talks at once.
Step 2: Pick a couple things from the following list to infuse spirit, meaning, and jocularity into your Zoom call.
- Read out loud excerpts from favorite holiday books. Don’t forget to use inflection and dramatic voices.
- Takes turns sharing a photo or video of your decorated home or kids. Make sure to add snarky commentary.
- Family Cook-off. Version 1: Participants make the same item, show it off, then eat it together. Version 2: Participants make a unique dish and eat it together.
- Dress up in hilarious costumes and wigs. Pick a theme.
- Play a visual game like Charades or Pictionary.
- Share a sweet and a funny holiday 60 second memory.(Moderator, you’re the timekeeper. I like to use an obnoxious buzzer app).
- Send each other a white elephant gift and open together.
- Demonstrate a funny skill you’ve developed. For example, I like to show off my epic sparkling water burps!
- Share a new talent or project.
- Describe your favorite winter ritual. (Fireplaces and hot cocoa, warming up your flannel sheets, chopping wood in your long underwear….)
- Tell a joke or show a funny clip.
- Share a moving memory of your grandparents. Script it to make it good!
- Dance Party! Play a fun song and direct everyone to stand-up and shake their booty.
- Talent show! AND I don’t mean just the performing arts…Anything goes.
- Start planning a family gathering for next year. Assign a leader. I recommend choosing yourself. Make a list, delegate the tasks, set deadlines.
- Plan a family donation project. Yep, someone does need to be in charge. Why not you?
- Karaoke competition! Air guitar?
- End with a group prayer/meditation/cheer/laugh!
Step 3: Study up! Zoom Tech Help Resources
Make sure you know what you’re doing and how to trouble-shoot.
Zoom Backgrounds ( to add some fun!)
Now, you got the information and the power to create orderly, energizing, and, dare I say, memorable Zoom calls.
Download and print the cheat sheet below.
Go forth and make merry this holiday season. We all need it desperately.
Happy Zooming!
* Featured Image created by AI
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