Article: 8 Ways to Jazz Up Your Next Virtual Event
Keeping things interesting is critical for success in most virtual events. Whether it's a team meeting, virtual sprint,a get it done day or a webinar, interaction and engagement is key. This month's article explores eight quick ways to jazz up your next virtual event. Consider which of these approaches will work best for you and your audience.
#1 - Breakouts: While not every platform has breakouts, those that do allow us to come as close to real-time training environments, with high interactivity, via the use of breakouts. These become a game-changer, and create both a wow and a powerful peer learning opportunity. If you have not yet seen my call on
Breakouts that Sizzle, check it out.
#2 - Media Use - Video
Integrating video is a great way to demonstrate things as well as provide an opportunity for a change of pace. Whether you consider integrating your own videos, or curate links to TEDTalks, or YouTube sessions, video is growing in importance, and popularity. Videos are also popular due to the way they connect into the visual channel - and noting that a majority of your team may have a preference for visual channels and approaches.
I'll be covering video production in next month's newsletter. This is a topic we recently covered in the
Learning Lab and Design Studio.
#3 - Media Use - Audio
Can't do video, or don't want to? Consider how you might integrate some audio into your work - past presentations or copyright accessible music.
#4 - Hands On/Real-time Work - Get it Done
Creating a pause for those we work with (our team or our clients) is invaluable in today's fast paced world. Even more valuable is when you can combine that in getting things done. It's no surprise that so many people are keen on virtual retreats and "Get it Done" Days. As someone who has led these types of programs for more than a decade, the power of creating space to take action, and benefit from the accountability of others, is immense.
#5 - Annotation
Annotation is an underutilized approach on many platforms. Having people circle, highlight and share their ideas through writing, makes a call more interactive and kinesthetic.
#6 - Polls
One that I know I do'nt use enough is polls. These are available on many platforms, can while most need to be set up in advance, they do provide the opportunity to get input, solicit ideas and make it more interactive.
# 7 - Chat
Most platforms will have chat functionality. Be sure that this can be seen by all, and shared by all, or be sure to read out responses. Chat can be a quick way to get input and solicit ideas.
#8 - Sprints and Hacks
Late last week I hosted a program design sprint as part of the Learning Lab and Design Studio. For 45 minutes we moved through a series of reflective prompts and major steps were taken around program designs. What can you do to create space for abbreviated, sprints?
Looking to learn more about all these different options? Join us in the April Virtual Facilitation Essentials program which will start on
Friday April 6th at 1:15 pm ET (Toronto/New York). We'll be meeting from 1:!5 - 2:30 pm ET on April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4th. 8.5 CCEs.
Click here to learn more and register.
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