Spare people from remote training hell

OK, so I have had to re-write this piece, given recent events.

It was going to be about why, given the growth in virtual meetings, there has not been quite the same growth in remote or virtual training (VILT).
However, that is changing literally as you read this.

As we all adapt to the new world order – my brother is currently working from home as his office in central Milan is closed indefinitely – even more people are having even more virtual meetings.

And on top of that, at LiveTime we are seeing a spike in demand for our virtual training like never before.

So, rather than spout on about ‘strategic use of VILT’ and ‘why demand should grow’ I will spare you, and instead suggest some ways to help make VILT work better for all.

First, two things to remember about VILT compared to virtual meetings:

1. Complexity: Training usually has more people involved and a more complex set of objectives than a meeting. So VILT has to be carefully planned and executed to work effectively
2. Quality: People think VILT can be run the same way virtual meetings are run. So, the quality suffers. If you think of a good virtual meeting, no one hogs the presentation or delivery – everyone is involved and there is not too much content. Now think of a lot of VILT…see what I mean?

Here are five easy things you can do to make your VILT better (I am now getting into my click-bait stride here)…

1. Aim high: This could be your opportunity for a new way of working and training, so don’t ruin it by rushing out muddled, uninspiring VILT. Plan it carefully and get help if needed
2. Include less content: Think about what detailed content can be added in a separate handout, download or email
3. Maintain interest: Always think about the involvement – that means for every major point you wish to cover, you are not just using slides but thinking how people can talk, share, try, ask, compare, contrast, question and so on
4. Start simple: Begin your training more like a virtual meeting. Once everyone is chatting and contributing, you can move into the more complex aspects of the training
5. Watch the clock: So that your participants on the training won’t. Aim to allocate no more than ¾ of the time available to the actual training – it will allow for more involvement and less rushing at the end.

Good luck, though if you follow the above tips, you will make your own.

Matt Turner, Director, LiveTime Learning Ltd