In this virtual environment created by the Coronavirus, it is even more challenging to engage your virtual audience and keep them engaged. There are many distractions and competing activities. So, what are some proven ways to make your communication engaging and meaningful? In this post, I want to share how I created an industry award-winning virtual training program and some lessons learned from its creation. My hope is you will take away ideas that lead to your success.
How I Was Inspired
I was a Senior Program Manager of Training for Xerox. I was tasked with developing global training for a revolutionary high-end network product. The templates for typical programs were available, but something just didn’t feel right. It didn’t excite me.
On the weekend, I was playing a computer game with my 5-year-old granddaughter, Megan, when it struck me. If we didn’t know the response to the question or clue in the game, we could consult the almanac.
Meg had great fun and learned a lot about history and geography. The result made me think of my college law class and how we consulted previous cases for insight. It was an ah-ha moment.
How it Worked
I took a week to prepare and then present my plan to my manager. I suggested my team, and I would create a game with an accompanying magazine that contained the rules and other fun activities. The object of the game was to engage the correct prospects, respond correctly to their questions, and sell the product. Along the way, the learner would get text messages, voicemail, and clues from various characters in the game. They received encouragement and rewards for their activities. The game and accompanying resources replaced the usual training and replaced the big Xerox box of reading material. It also provided validation of the learning and the ability to locate information. It was a huge success, and I won both the Global Vice President’s Award for Excellence and an industry gold award as best for the year.
What’s In It For You?
It is vital to engage the participants, but activities for the sake of activity aren’t engaging. If it isn’t meaningful, people get bored and check their email, play games on their cell phones, and other distracting activities.
When your audience acquires new information, insights, or skills, it is a meaningful activity. They will stay engaged and return for your next virtual interaction. If they feel you are a valuable resource, you will have a long-term relationship and will receive referrals. It takes time to plan, but the outcome is worth the effort.
Recommendations and Lessons Learned
- Give clear instructions for any activity or game. If you have a live event, check with the audience that they understand the instructions. If it is a video or other non-live event, provide an email or phone number for questions.
- Get feedback during development that the question or activity is meaningful.
- Provide feedback. I gave positive feedback for correct responses. If the response is incorrect, provide the opportunity to try again or the resource to locate the right answer.
- Always encourage and recognize the effort. Refrain from negative comments.
- Use colorful graphics, photos, or video snippets.
- If it is a live event, encourage active participation. Give responses, like “good answer,” “thank you,” or “well done.”
- Use the participant’s name when possible.
- In my virtual events, my business partner keeps track of questions and comments so we can respond or confirm and use them in our comments.
- Provide PDF handouts or a meeting planning form
- Ask for feedback or use an evaluation form at the end of the event.
- If you have the bandwidth, you can include a Twitter hashtag and get real-time interaction.
Make your virtual interactions meaningful and enjoyable. Stay safe!
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