There is more to effective delivery than just presenting content from a set of slides. The ideal virtual classroom is designed with high interactivity and a focus on participants. Virtual facilitation is becoming a key skill for trainers. Success requires unique skills in audience engagement, creating non-traditional interactivity, sensitivity in how trainers use their voices, and the confidence to multitask in a new technical and logistical setting.
How do these skills translate in the field? We asked Kristi Bridges, a business trainer at MetLife and a recent certificate program participant, to answer a few questions about her experience with the Virtual Facilitation Training Certification Program.
1. What is the greatest value you have gained from participating in the Virtual Facilitation Training Certification Program?
At the end of the course, I was given two old presentation decks and asked to use them for virtual training. I rearranged the decks and notes to use the virtual techniques I had learned: raising hands, pointers, whiteboard comments, chat, emojis, etc. After the classes were over, I received many enthusiastic comments, like this one: “Honestly, it was a really fun and different training, interactive and very informative. I loved it, and Kristi was wonderful guiding us every step of the way!
2. When did you know you had made the right choice to enroll in the Virtual Facilitation Training Certification Program?
By the end of the first session my colleagues and I were messaging each other about the techniques used by the trainer, and by the end of the second session we had started using the examples to revamp our WebEx intro for new virtual students. .
3. What have we done to prove that you are benefiting from participating in the Virtual Facilitation Training Certification Program?
Constant demonstration. Jennifer didn’t just talk about tools we could use. She used them fluidly and gave us many opportunities to practice.
4. What was your biggest “aha” and / or learning moment during this class?
Realize how many little ways I could keep the students engaged without them talking to each other.
5. What type of talent development professional do you think would be the best fit for you to enroll in this course?
Trainers, design professionals and even project managers could benefit.
