Remote meetings are an integral element of collaboration, particularly for teams with distributed members. However, they may not be as efficient than meetings in person when you don’t adhere to the correct manner of conducting meetings. Virtual meetings can benefit from many of the same methods used to make in-person meetings efficient and engaging. Here are 13 ways to hold successful remote meetings, according to members of the Forbes Coaches Council:

1. Use an agenda.

Begin the meeting with an agenda that keeps it focus and avoid getting lost in conversational nonsense. If possible, create the agenda ahead of time, with feedback from the attendees, and then present it at beginning of the meeting.

2. Encourage everyone to speak out.

In online meetings, certain people will feel reluctant to contribute because they worry about being in the middle or being interrupted. To counter this, consider using a conference call with a special microphone and camera that will help to block out background noises and amplify everyone’s voice equally. Request comments or questions after the meeting so that everyone is heard.

3. Make sure you focus on action items and follow-up.

Many times, meetings end with unclear action items and no clear follow-up plan. To combat this, agree on how the actions will be documented and followed up at the start of the meeting, and then review them at the end of the meeting. It’s also good to schedule follow-up individual meetings or a team meeting within a reasonable timeframe.

secrets of running successful remote meetings