Hybrid Meetings Done Right
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Introduction: Mastering Hybrid Meetings—Engagement, Productivity, and the New Rules of Connection
In today’s evolving workplace, running meetings that are both inclusive and productive is more important than ever. In her insightful Present to Succeed session, Lorraine Lee—Head of Editorial at Prezi and LinkedIn Learning Instructor—dives into the art and science of hybrid meetings. Drawing from her experience at the forefront of virtual collaboration, Lorraine shares actionable strategies for making every meeting count, whether your team is remote, in-person, or both.
Why Hybrid Meetings Matter (and How Lorraine Lee Raises the Bar)
Lorraine’s journey with hybrid meetings is rooted in a simple goal: help leaders and teams move beyond the chaos of “just another meeting” and unlock the full potential of hybrid collaboration. For Lorraine, it’s not just about using the latest tools—it’s about creating an environment where every voice is heard, engagement is high, and outcomes are clear. Why do so many hybrid meetings feel disconnected or unproductive? Lorraine believes it’s because we overlook the small shifts in planning, participation, and follow-up that make a big difference in both experience and results.
The Nine Essential Tips for Hybrid Meeting Success (and How to Apply Them)
Lorraine’s session centers on nine core challenges that many teams face when running hybrid meetings. Here’s how she breaks them down:
Time Management and Respect
Too many meetings run over or start late, eroding trust and productivity. Lorraine demonstrates how starting and ending on time—and even finishing five minutes early—shows respect for everyone’s schedule and sets a positive tone.
Building Focused Agendas
Meetings without clear agendas are aimless and unproductive. Lorraine’s solution: always include a goal and limit agenda items to keep discussions focused and actionable.
Leveraging Async Communication
Not everything needs to be discussed live. Lorraine encourages using asynchronous (async) tools—like pre-reads, recorded updates, and follow-up videos—to reduce meeting fatigue and make live sessions more meaningful.
Rules of Engagement
Hybrid meetings can easily leave remote participants out. Lorraine recommends setting clear participation rules, like using the “raise hand” feature and ensuring everyone dials in individually if even one person is remote.
Power Words and Meeting Energy
Language shapes engagement. Lorraine shares how using “power words” and energising meeting invites can prime participants for active involvement and better outcomes.
The Passive to Active Meeting Framework
To avoid meetings where only a few voices dominate, Lorraine introduces a framework: warm up the group, invite participation, pause for responses, observe and listen, and interact with follow-up questions.
Collaboration Tools for Hybrid Success
From Menti and Slido for polls to Figma and Miro for brainstorming, Lorraine highlights her favorite tools for making hybrid collaboration seamless and interactive.
Post-Meeting Actions and Accountability
What happens after the meeting is just as important as what happens during. Lorraine advises setting clear deadlines, using temporary chat channels, and being specific about next steps to build trust and ensure follow-through.
Creating Captivating Virtual Presentations
Boring slides and static screens kill engagement. Lorraine demonstrates how to use movement, visuals, and the “Think-Do-Feel” matrix to make presentations memorable and impactful.
Applying Lorraine’s Tips: From Frustration to Flow
Lorraine’s approach isn’t just for managers—it’s for anyone who wants to make meetings more effective and less exhausting. Whether you’re leading a team, teaching a class, or collaborating across time zones, applying these nine tips means less frustration and more flow. Lorraine shows how to integrate these strategies seamlessly, so you can focus on your message and your team’s success.
Q&A: Real-World Solutions and Continuous Learning
During the session’s interactive Q&A, Lorraine addresses practical questions:
How do you keep hybrid meetings equitable? (Set clear rules and use the right tech.)
What if your meetings still run long? (Revisit your agenda and time management.)
How do you keep up with new collaboration tools? (Stay curious and share discoveries with your team.)
Where can you learn more? (Follow Lorraine on LinkedIn and check out Prezi’s resources.)
Lorraine’s message: mastering hybrid meetings is about more than just following rules—it’s about adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, empathy, and creative problem-solving. By embracing these best practices, you empower yourself and your team to connect, collaborate, and achieve more—no matter where you are.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Meeting Matter
Lorraine’s closing advice is simple: impactful meetings start with intentional planning, inclusive participation, and smart use of technology. By applying these nine tips, staying open to new ideas, and focusing on both people and process, you can transform meetings from a dreaded obligation into a powerful tool for connection and progress.
Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest challenge with hybrid meetings? Have you tried any of Lorraine’s tips? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
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