Tips for a Successful Virtual Family Reunion

This December is like none other in recent memory. Though we are facing global challenges that prevent some of us from having our annual family reunions, technology has also made us able to connect in new ways. Of course, videoconferencing isn’t quite like the real thing, but it does enable us to see one another and have a chat, and big groups can be facilitated by many of these platforms. 

If you are facing a holiday without the possibility of a family gathering, you might be interested in exploring one of these platforms for a virtual meeting. These meetings are a great way to connect when we can’t be in the same room together, but they do come with some clunkiness that requires adjustment. The following tips are a great way to prepare yourself and your loved ones for one of these virtual meet-ups if you can’t be together in person.

Make a Plan

Although these platforms can be a great way to virtually meet with loved ones, simply jumping into your first video call can be disorienting. If you would like to schedule a virtual meeting with your family, it is crucial to communicate before the event about what to expect.

Some people use video conferencing woven into their lives seamlessly, simply jumping on a call any time the opportunity arises. Others prefer to have longer sessions with their loved ones, setting aside a few hours on a weekend to catch up. Still others use video conferencing as a way to do an everyday activity together. 

Imagine, for example, setting up a laptop computer in the kitchen while cooking. Just like you might have done in years gone by, an extended videoconference can make it almost feel like you’re cooking together. Some people have enjoyed playing games together through a virtual platform. Group games can be facilitated through breakout rooms and whiteboard options on some platforms. With the right interface, you can play one of these virtual games while seeing and hearing loved ones in action.

Whichever of these approaches suits your family gathering, be sure to communicate before the event. If you plan on having a virtual meal together, let the participants know what to expect and how long the event might last.

Take a Test Run

Another aspect of planning is to help your loved ones try out the platform before all the family are assembled in place. It can cause frustration and anxiety if the first attempt at videoconferencing is for a big family meeting on a holiday. A few days before the family event, why not try out the platform with your loved one? You can help them find the right location for the camera, to adjust the volume and microphone, and to explore some of the features. With a low-pressure trial call, you might find yourself using the platform well into the coming winter months.

Accommodate Communication Needs

Although videoconferencing is a great way to connect when we are socially distant, it comes with some challenges, particularly for those who have communication needs, including hearing loss.

A video call can be difficult for anyone to follow, particularly when two people speak at once or there is an unstable Internet connection in the mix. If you are in a call with someone who has hearing loss, take the opportunity to make it as easy as possible. Clear vision helps with reading facial expressions and mouths, so be sure you and all participants are well lit and facing the camera.

Try to organize the call to minimize crosstalk. A simple gesture can help you take turns in the conversation. If one of the participants has a weak or unstable Internet connection, it can be helpful to turn off the video component or to place the computer in a location closer to the router.

With these considerations in mind, you can make it possible to have a virtual family gathering that everyone enjoys. Of course, these accommodation strategies are not a durable solution to hearing loss, so you might also take the opportunity to encourage your loved one to seek treatment.

With hearing aids, the conversation can flow much more easily, and many also come equipped with Bluetooth technology to send the audio from the call directly to your ears! Contact us today to learn more about the latest in hearing technology to help you stay connected.