In the last few weeks, I had the pleasure of hosting two media training workshops. They turned out to be a marvelous learning experience for me. One of the participants, let’s call him Mr. Xperience happened to head digital events for his organisation. On the sidelines of the training session, he shared with me a picture of online events that changed my thinking about how online training needs to be done in the future.
Mr. Xperience’s mantra for delivering a powerful online experience.
- We need a new breed of storytellers
- Radically reduce content size
- Figure out a Netflix format of delivery
- Crisp engaging content
- Personalised
- Consumable at your convenience
- A powerful tech platform
Inspired by his experience and feedback, I have tried to reimagine our media training module. To deliver value online, using these cues, resulted in an all-new module emerging.
In terms of content, it still has the essence of the good old ‘in the room’ module but there are new sections added to reflect the new always-on, online reality we are navigating. It also has a section on personal branding and how to become your own storyteller. What has changed completely is the way the program is delivered. We have brought in new storytellers to add to the learning. The duration of the programme has been reduced to bite-sized pieces. It’s customised to suit each client’s unique needs. The engagement with participants starts a full two weeks in advance to ensure there is alignment and mind space created ahead of the actual session.
The piece I have not completely cracked yet is how to make it consumable at each participant’s convenience. This is because the programme is typically delivered to a group and this enriches the learning experience. Splitting the programme into two days has helped, with the role plays being on the second day allowing each participant the flexibility to choose their slot.
I have just begun my search for a powerful training tech platform. For now, I am using available platforms like Teams or Zoom and experimenting with a few online engagement options like mentimeter and padlet. Would love to hear from any of you about an online learning experience that wowed you. Either one you have attended or conducted. What worked? What did not? Do share your experiences.
The last thing that helped was ‘standing energy’. I found that it made a difference to stand while facilitating the session. It shifted my energy. Made me feel like I was back in a learning space with a group of participants excited to go in a journey of exploration. The added bonus was I met my 10000 step goal with ease that day.
The real secret sauce however was the group of participants who showed up online. They wanted to learn. As the old saying goes – it takes two hands to clap. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. We found a way to have a fun day together and walked away richer for the shared experience.
Engagement. Experience. Content. Networking… clap hands and make it happen.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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