Your virtual training session is interrupted by technology glitches. How do you keep participants engaged?

1 Stay Calm

When technology fails during a virtual training session, it's important to stay calm and reassure participants. Your composed demeanor will set the tone for the rest of the session. Quickly acknowledge the glitch and inform the participants that you are working on a solution. While you troubleshoot, engage them with a relevant question or prompt them to reflect on what has been covered so far. This keeps their minds on the topic and prevents frustration from setting in. Remember, how you handle these moments can greatly influence participants' confidence in the training program.

2 Plan B Ready

Always have a backup plan ready for when technology glitches strike. This could include having printed materials, offline exercises, or an alternative communication channel at hand. If the main presentation tool fails, switch to your prepared secondary option without hesitation. For instance, if your video feed is disrupted, you might continue the session via a conference call while sharing visual aids through email. By having a Plan B, you ensure that the training can proceed smoothly and participants remain engaged despite technical setbacks.

3 Engage Directly

Direct engagement is vital when technology issues arise. Use this opportunity to initiate more personalized interactions with participants. Ask them to share their thoughts on the topic discussed or solve a problem related to the session's content. This approach not only keeps them engaged but also encourages active participation, which can be more challenging to achieve in a virtual environment. Direct engagement helps to bridge the gap caused by technical difficulties and maintains the momentum of the learning process.

4 Use Humor

A little humor can go a long way in lightening the mood during technical difficulties. Making a light-hearted comment about the situation can help to ease any tension and keep participants engaged. Humor should be used judiciously and be appropriate for the audience. It can serve as a reminder that glitches are a normal part of life, and the training session is a shared experience where everyone can remain positive and focused on the learning objectives.

5 Flexibility Counts

Flexibility is a crucial skill when handling interruptions during virtual training. Be willing to adapt your session plan to accommodate the unexpected. If certain interactive elements are not working, consider alternative methods of delivering the same content. For instance, if a live demonstration is not possible, you might describe the process verbally in detail or guide participants through a thought experiment. By being flexible, you turn potential disruptions into opportunities for different types of engagement and learning.

6 Recap Progress

Finally, when interruptions occur, it's beneficial to recap what has been covered once the session resumes. This ensures that all participants are back on track and that any confusion caused by the disruption is cleared up. A quick summary of key points or a brief Q&A can help re-establish the flow of the session and reinforce the material covered. It also provides a moment for participants to ask questions and get clarification on any points they might have missed due to the glitch.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?