How can I encourage conversation among my virtual participants?

As the virtual meeting host, welcome everyone by name as each person logs on. Expect that the first five minutes will be friendly chit-chat moderated by you as everyone gets his or her technology set up. It helps to have an icebreaker question or two that everyone takes turns to answer, such as “What did you do over the weekend?” or “What is your favorite pizza topping?” Structured conversation openers will help everyone relax and share more openly when it comes time to share about the discussion questions.