Virtual Facilitation: What works well online?
What works well online is not simply a matter of taking what works well offline and hoping for the best.
It’s not a bad idea for starters, as many principles and practices are directly transferable. But you also need to be aware of what’s possible – and not possible – in each medium. As the context changes, so do the interactions.
I’ve been on virtual calls over the past few weeks which have varied from hideous nightmares of non-communication, to others which have touched surprising peaks of engagement, humour and intimacy.
It’s pretty apparent on balance that most meetings online are still dreadful. As of course are most meetings off-line. So the poverty of many online encounters is no surprise but rather an indication of poor practice compounded.
However, it is possible to have a great meeting.
And it’s been crystal clear that the single biggest factor that makes the difference is….
The quality of the facilitation.
If the facilitator is skilled – or even competent – we’re in for a much more productive ride.
So I’m going to share with you a series of posts that reveal what I’ve been learning as a facilitator and a participant on virtual calls.
Next blog… Good enough tech skills – Virtual facilitation #1
In the meantime, what are your thoughts on building skills and confidence by noticing what works with your learners?
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