Joining the conversation: elevating your game on team calls

It’s a familiar scene: the team call begins, your name is on the attendee list, and yet you spend the next 45 minutes silently observing the swirling vortex of 'can you hear me now?' and 'sorry, you cut out there'. The shift to remote and hybrid working has made video conferencing the bedrock of professional collaboration, but it has also created a new challenge: how do we transition from passive observer to active participant? It’s not about grandstanding; it's about ensuring your value, perspective, and professionalism shine through, even on a tiny screen.

Mindset matters: shift your perspective

The first step isn't technical; it's psychological. Many people view team calls as an auditorium where the host is the sole speaker and the attendees are merely the audience. This is a profound misunderstanding. Treat every meeting as a roundtable discussion, regardless of the size. Your presence means your input is expected, not just tolerated. Before joining, take 30 seconds to formulate two or three points you genuinely want to make or questions you want to ask. This pre-planning ensures you have intellectual ammunition and won't be scrambling for a point when the moment arises.

The art of the non-verbal contribution

Participation isn’t exclusively about speaking. Even while muted, you can demonstrate engagement. Keep your camera on—it's the single most powerful way to signal you're present. Use non-verbal cues: nod when you agree, use expressive facial cues to show you're listening intently, and, crucially, maintain eye contact with your camera, not the faces on your screen. This mimics direct, in-person engagement and encourages others. If your platform has reaction buttons (thumbs up, clap, heart), use them judiciously to acknowledge a good point without interrupting the flow.

Timing is everything: jumping into the fray

The hardest part for many is knowing when to speak. Wait for a natural pause or a transition point. If the conversation is moving quickly, use the chat function immediately to post a brief, relevant comment or question (e.g., 'A quick question on the budget for that—could we circle back?'). This registers your intention to speak. When you do unmute, start with a polite but firm opening: 'If I may jump in here,' or 'Just to build on Sarah's excellent point…'. This validates the previous speaker and smoothly inserts your voice into the discussion. Keep your contribution concise; aim for the pithy, not the ponderous.

Follow up and solidify your role

Participation doesn't end when the call finishes. A quick follow-up email summarising your key takeaway or the action point you volunteered for cements your active role in the meeting's outcome. If you were silent but took meticulous notes, offer to share them. This makes you indispensable and proves that even a quieter presence can be profoundly impactful. Remember, showing up is mandatory, but speaking up is how you move your career forward. So, the next time the link appears in your calendar, don't just log in—lean in.

Keywords: team calls participation remote working british english virtual meetings online etiquette speaking up engagement active Meta description: How to be a truly active participant and elevate your presence on every video conference call.