# data[].attributes.body
My name is Melissa Pacheco, I am currently a Communication Studies student and today I will be providing Waking Up, Inc with two proposals of how to reduce In-person meetings, especially during social-distancing times!

# data[].attributes.body
Due to the high number of cases of COVID-19 in the United States, Waking Up, Inc is planning on switching in-person meetings to virtual ones in order to avoid a possible contagion, here I will be giving you two options to which I believe are the most suitable platforms for the company to use to hold this meetings.

# data[].attributes.body
Since COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that, according to the CDC, can be transmitted through particles in the air, it is of VITAL importance for individuals to practice social distancing (6ft between each person), and not leaving their home unless its strictly necessary.
Due to these strict measures, in-person meetings should be avoided as much as possible. Since Waking Up, Inc is fully aware that group meetings are necessary for many of the tasks performed in the company, we have developed a contingency plan to keep the group communication flow running as smoothly as possible: Virtual Meetings!

# data[].attributes.body
The next 2 slides will introduce the two possible platforms to use to implement the mentioned plan

# data[].attributes.body
Skype is a Telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, smartphones, and even some gaming consoles. It was released in 2003.
Proposal: Using Skype for group meetings at least 1-2 times per week, specifically at the end of each week to discuss accomplished goals and possible strategies for the upcoming week.

# data[].attributes.body
Facebook is a Social Media Platform that was established in 2004 and since then has acquired other social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
Proposal: Facebook has a group tool that can be used to interact between team members on a daily basis. A group should be created and the administrator (leader) should be in charge of including everybody in the group. Next, group members should use this platform to create messages and update other members of how things are going and offer help if needed; additionally, every group member should be in charge of reminding about certain tasks if the leader forgets about it. The Administrator of the group should provide his/her Skype account the day before the weekly videoconference for everybody to be punctual the day and time of the meeting.

# data[].attributes.headline
Step 4: Evaluate Options and Select the best Idea

# data[].attributes.subject
Step 4: Evaluate Options and Select the best Idea

# data[].attributes.body
After evaluating each proposal and submitting it to popular vote, we concluded that the best approach would be to combine the use of both platforms, Facebook and Skype. Facebook will be the platform used for everyday messaging and updating for team members, and Skype will be the face-to-face tool used once a week for group members to gather at the end of each week, discuss performance during the week and propose new strategies to implement for next week in order to improve and/or maintain good performance.

# data[].attributes.body
Two weeks have passed ever since the new strategy for in-person meeting replacement was implemented, below you will find some pros and cons:
PROS: Almost all group members have access 24/7 to a computer and/or personal device with an active internet connection, which made virtual communication easier. Everybody was actively engaged in reporting their status and participating in conversations.
CONS: When the weekly videoconference came along, a lot of the team members were late, and their internet connection did not make the video call flow at all. there was a lot of interference.

# data[].attributes.body
After carefully examining the Pros and Cons, we decided to continue with the use of both platforms but assigning certain roles:
Group Leader: This group member will be in charge of communicating with his/her other team members individually once a week, in order to set priorities straight about each task and what strategies can be done to improve.
Devil's Advocate: This group member should be in charge of verifying the veracity of the information posted on the Facebook group, to avoid other group members to get confused.
Information Gatherer: Works closely with the devil's advocate; closely analyzing information BEFORE being posted (so this group member should have full control of the administrative tools in the group)
Monitor: Encourage group members who are not as active in conversation to engage and give their opinion, everybody should participate!

# data[].attributes.body
Waking up, Inc will be using Skype and Facebook as the two supporting platforms to replace in-person meetings during the COVID-19 Stay-at-home orders for engagement not to be lost and the flow of teamwork to be present always