Spotlight on video calls: Gen Z and new strengths

Video conferencing has long been a central part of modern collaboration. Teams work from home, projects are managed digitally, and many decisions are now made in virtual meeting rooms. Yet whilst the technology has developed rapidly, many meeting formats have remained the same. Long monologues, overloaded agendas and little interaction often mean that attention is quickly lost.

This is particularly evident among a generation that has grown up with digital media. Gen Z (Generation Z) brings different expectations to communication and collaboration. At the same time, people experience meetings differently depending on whether they are more introverted or extroverted. So, anyone wishing to run successful video conferences should focus specifically on the needs of each individual.

Why Gen Z has different expectations of meetings

People of Generation Z have grown up with constant access to information, social media and rapid digital interactions. Studies show that their attention span depends heavily on how relevant and interactive content is. Long, one-sided presentations therefore lead to distraction more quickly than short, dynamic formats.

In video conferences, this means one thing above all: attention is generated through participation. Meetings work better when they are clearly structured, get straight to the point and offer scope for interaction. Short contributions, clear objectives and visual content help to maintain attention.

A key factor for successful meetings is structure. When participants know what to expect, they find it easier to concentrate. Interaction also plays an important role. Questions, quick polls or collaborative work on documents keep people actively engaged in the discussion. In OpenTalk, features such as chat, the talking stick or raising a hand are particularly helpful in this regard. This results in less passive listening and more collaboration.

Furthermore, the length of a meeting can also be decisive. Many organisations are now experimenting with shorter meetings lasting 15 or 25 minutes.

Introverts and extroverts experience meetings differently

As well as generational differences, personality also plays a role. Introverts and extroverts often perceive meetings differently.

Extroverts frequently think out loud; they develop ideas during conversation and benefit from spontaneous discussions. In meetings, they are more likely to speak up and respond more quickly to open questions. Introverts, on the other hand, often process information internally first. They reflect on the content and only formulate their contributions once they have had time to think about it. In traditional meetings with rapid exchanges, their perspectives may therefore be less visible. Video conferences can both amplify and balance out these differences.

Why video conferences are sometimes more comfortable for introverts than traditional meetings

Digital meetings offer several advantages for introverted participants. Chat functions, such as those in OpenTalk, allow thoughts to be shared in writing without immediately taking centre stage. Another advantage is the physical distance. Many people find it less stressful to participate from their own environment than in a large physical conference room.

At the same time, however, video conferences can also create new challenges. When many participants speak at once or discussions move very quickly, it can be difficult to find the right moment to contribute.

Designing meetings that work for everyone

The best meeting culture takes different communication styles into account. The aim should not be to let everyone speak equally, but to give everyone a fair opportunity to participate. This includes, for example, short pauses for thought after questions, so that every participant has time to respond. It is equally helpful to actively incorporate chat or collaborative documents. This allows contributions to emerge in parallel and not just within the spoken discussion. Clear moderation also helps. When meetings are well-structured and contributions are gathered one after the other, a conversational space is created that facilitates both spontaneous exchange and thoughtful contributions. Despite frequent criticism of online meetings, when designed correctly they can actually improve collaboration. They enable new forms of collaboration, can break down hierarchies, and for some individuals may even be more productive than a large in-person meeting.

You can read here about the features that will help you run successful video conferences in OpenTalk.