Avoid Time Wasters in Online Calls: Save Hours Every Week

Online meetings can be useful, but they often drain time and energy. You join for a quick check-in and suddenly you're stuck for an hour, wondering why you’re even there. If this feels familiar, you're not alone.

Why we lose so much time in online calls

Many calls don’t have a clear purpose. People join unprepared. There’s a lot of talking without any real outcome. And then we wonder why the calendar is full and nothing gets done.

“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of evry part of your life.“ - Brian Tracy

The biggest time wasters

• People join without an agenda

• The conversation drifts into side topics

• Decisions aren’t made

• Participants multitask and constantly need to refocus

• The call is too big, too long, or both

How to save time right away

1. Have a clear intention

Ask yourself before each call: Do I really need to be here? Or is a quick message enough? Many calls happen out of habit, not necessity.

2. Set a mini agenda

Three points. No more. Say at the start: This is our goal. Here’s what we’re doing today. It gives instant focus.

3. Timebox the call

25 or 40 minutes is enough for most things. When time is limited, people talk less and get to the point faster.

4. Remove distractions

Clean your desktop. Close your tabs. Keep your notes open. It makes you calmer and keeps you in the flow.

5. Lock in decisions

End with a short recap: What was decided? Who does what by when? This prevents the classic follow-up calls.

Mini conclusion

Online calls don’t have to be a black hole that eats your time. With a few clear choices, you bring structure back in and keep your day free for what really matters.

What about you? What are your experiences with online meetings and which part drives you crazy the most? Share it in the comments and let others learn from your stories.