Make the Most Out of Virtual Training

Like many of you, I've been forced to go virtual for training that would typically be best done in person. I much prefer the real-time back and forth you get in a physical room that Zoom or WebEx can't replicate.

Here are some tips I've come across that will hopefully help if you or someone you know are facing a similar situation.

1.  Technology.  One could almost assume that everyone by now is familiar with their Zoom, Webex, GotoMeeting, whatever interface you use. There will always be one or two who have issues with audio, video, feedback (ick) issues, etc. This is especially true if you are doing onboarding where new hires aren't familiar with your company's tools. It's a good idea to send out a "preparing for virtual meetings" doc or video with a checklist of things for them to do to get the technology squared away.

2.  Pre-work. People learn better when there's context to what they will be learning. I like to send out articles, links, videos, etc. for people to get a sense of the content area before they attend. Surveys about expectations might also be a good idea.

3. Live training!  This is your big moment. I don't need to say more, but keep it engaging, ask for questions. I recently read this great tip: Don't ask "Are there any questions?"   Instead, ask:  "What questions do you have for me?"  You'd be surprised at the difference in engagement.  The first question makes the audience feel stupid. The second invites questions.

4.  Post-work. Provide a collection (it could be a course or something lighter) of the key points, and any presentations and documentation you referred to in the training. Better to have people pay attention to you than frantically taking notes. Include a follow-up survey.

5.  Reinforcement.  No matter how fun and engaging I make my classes, people will forget 80% of what they learn. Have something in place to reinforce over a period of time. A one-time quiz just doesn't work because they'll forget as soon as the quiz is over. I use a tool that can not only reinforce with a steady drip of questions over time, but also explains why the correct answer is correct.

6.  Coaching.  Many people will resist coaching. They'll think, "Thanks for the training, now let me get on with my life." If you are in enablement or training, you need to work with front line managers to support you with coaching. Some people are concerned that coaching is going to take time out of selling, but if you have a way to coach asynchronously, i.e. you don't need to be on the same Zoom meeting, that could alleviate some of the common annoyances with coaching. Call recording is another way to make sure people are practicing what you taught.

Thanks for reading. Do share some of your own ideas on making the most out of virtual training!