In a recent session called “Beyond the Zoom Box,” I had the pleasure of exploring how virtual meetings can move beyond mere functionality into something more human, more connected—even a little magical. Participants were engaged, energized, and deeply present. One skilled evaluator said, “This didn’t feel like Zoom at all.” That comment stuck with me.
So what happened?
We used some simple visuals, a little structure, and invited a sense of play. But beneath the surface, I think something deeper was going on—something that taps into how people think, feel, and relate when we’re not in the same physical space.
This post kicks off a new blog series exploring what I’ve come to think of as embodied thinking in virtual space. It’s about reclaiming our sense of connection, presence, and clarity—on Zoom and beyond. Over the next few posts, I’ll explore how three frameworks come together to support this:
- The ORID framework from the Technology of Participation (ToP), which structures conversation in a way that mirrors how we process experience
- Polyvagal theory, which highlights the importance of emotional safety and co-regulation in any group setting—especially virtual ones
- Lisa Feldman Barrett’s theory of constructed emotion, which reveals how we build meaning (and emotion) through context and shared cues
Together, these perspectives suggest that we can foster thinking and connection not by pushing harder—but by designing with awareness. With just a few thoughtful adjustments, virtual spaces can support safety, clarity, and a sense of belonging.
💡 Curious how this shows up in our courses? Watch our new 7-minute video introducing the ToP Facilitation Methods: Leadership Online Intensive. This course offers a deep, hands-on dive into structured facilitation in real life—with virtual tools that support connection and clarity.
Stay tuned next month for Part 2: Structure That Liberates—Why ORID Matters Even More Online.