How do you adjust your online facilitation style?

Often in my job I am not able to collect too much data prior to offering an online learning. However, I always start with icebreaker questions and attempt to engage with participants in the minutes before the class starts. This small amount of time can tell me quite a bit about my audience. I create short, fun, questions to immediately get everyone involved, I add my own answers to the questions and gauge their interest and participation level.

I find it really important that in the beginning I also set clear expectations on breaks. For a half day session, there will be at least 1x 15 min break. For a full day there will be at least 2x 15 min break and a long lunch break. In addition, where possible, I give people the change to take a break during exercises. For example I give people 10 min to complete an exercise, and tell them that if they finish it quicker, they can use it for a small break. Especially online training requires more breaks and if possible even spreading the training over multiple days to keep engagement up. It takes more effort and energy of both trainer and attendees so working closely together will improve the outcome of the training.

Once, at work, I was tasked with training a group of contractors. These individuals, mainly HR and admin executives, lacked prior experience with the tool. To better understand my audience, I conducted pre-training calls. To ensure the training's success, I crafted a concise two-page booklet, which I named the "Trainer's Handbook." I shared this booklet with the participants and encouraged them to review it before the training session. The handbook contained essential information, including the agenda, content, and answers to fundamental questions about the training's purpose, what it entailed, and who it was designed for. This approach aimed to empower these participants to become trainers in their respective organizations.

Build rapport and trust in an online setting by actively listening, showing empathy, and being approachable. Use icebreakers to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage participants to share their experiences. Demonstrate genuine interest in their perspectives and create a safe space for open communication. By fostering trust, you create a foundation for effective collaboration and learning.

In my perspective, adapting my online facilitation style to prioritize engagement and interaction involves a multifaceted approach. It begins with creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel encouraged to contribute and collaborate. I employ diverse interactive methods such as live polls, discussions, and breakout sessions to maintain interest and involvement. Regularly gauging participant feedback allows me to adjust my facilitation in real-time, ensuring that the training remains dynamic and responsive to their needs. Ultimately, my goal is to foster active participation and meaningful interactions that enhance the learning experience for all participants.

Engage and interact with participants by using a variety of online tools and techniques. Incorporate polls, quizzes, and breakout rooms to encourage active participation. Use visual aids and interactive elements to keep the session engaging. Respond promptly to questions and comments in the chat, fostering a sense of connection and community. By actively involving participants, you create a dynamic and interactive learning experience.

Flexibility and responsiveness to real-time feedback are pivotal for creating a dynamic and engaging online facilitation style. By staying open to immediate input, you can tailor your approach to meet participants' evolving needs.

Consider these steps for all training / facilitation sessions. Furthermore, when engaging an online audience, incorporate online tools such as polling or having the participants use their environment to interact. This can increase engagement both with the material and their peers.