When you host a virtual training or workshop does your audience look at you with stars in their eyes, like they’re at a Justin Bieber concert? Hanging on your every word? NO?
It’s time to up your Cool Coach Factor. Some might call this your brand. I think Cool Coach Factor is more fun.
Your brand as a coach is everything you do, everything you say and how you show up as a professional coach. If you want to stand out and stand above the crowd it’s time to take your virtual events to the next level.
For over 25 years I have produced live and virtual events. I’ve worked with some of the most talented trainers and speakers on the planet. And one thing I know for sure is, it matters not how great your content is if you’ve lost the trust and attention of your peeps.
I know you would like to believe that your audience loves you so much that they’ll understand if you struggle a little with the technology or start a tad late because you were still setting up your displays.
News flash. Often the impression you leave is subconscious. You may never know the damage you’ve done when you fumble getting breakout rooms assigned. Or when your audio is scratchy. But your audience knows, and what they see is someone who didn’t care enough to get it right. Someone who didn’t put the effort into making the program as good as it could be.
OOOOH…would she do the same thing with my coaching session? Cut corners? Show up late? Not be prepare?
I know you would NEVER think of showing up to a virtual event you’re hosting without all of your ducks in a row. But let’s just say for a minute that you did. What’s at stake?
- The trust you’ve built with your audience.
- Your professional image.
- Your reputation as a caring human.
- Future business.
So, this is pretty dramatic “worst case” kind of stuff. But it happens. All. The. Time.
Lucky for you – it’s pretty easy to rise above the mediocre crowd and shine as professional Cool Coach hosting virtual events.
Here is a preparation checklist. You’ll find it’s pretty long. And yet not exhaustive.
Virtual Event Prep List:
- Be fully prepared, as if you were about to step on a live stage.
- Include high-quality branded materials like handouts and worksheets.
- Do a dry run. Rehearse your timing and tech. All hosts and presenters should be present.
- Have technical support/virtual event producer to help with the back end. Provide attendees with a number to text for support before and during the program. Your job is to be present and teach, not help people with issues logging in or finding the chat box.
- Be certain you don’t have too much content for the allotted time. Again, rehearse your timing.
- Include engaging activities that enhance learner retention.
- Design an intentional backdrop for your virtual stage. Preferably not a virtual background.
- Make sure you have good lighting. Your face should be well lit, but not washed out.
- Do you have a good webcam? The one on your computer may not cut it. Especially if it’s located at the bottom of your screen. Do you really want your audience looking up your nose?
- Test your sound quality. You may need an external mic to provide a quality experience. A good webcam may have a mic on it too.
- Vary your graphics and props. Use flipcharts, props, slides, etc.
- Think – Before, During and After when designing your audience experience.
- Do you have a great way to Open and Close your program? The most valuable real estate of your program is the beginning and end. That’s what people remember most.
- If at all possible get your audience physically moving during the session.
- Prior to your start time, have all event documents, slide decks, handouts, attendance rosters, etc. in one place that is easily accessible to you.
- Make sure your tech assistant or virtual producer has a copy of all related documents and slide decks and has them open and accessible.
- Be logged in early and have a welcoming environment ready to greet your guests.
Let’s not kid ourselves. This is not an exhaustive list. It’s a great start though. If you do these things and set an intention for delivering great value to your audience, the effort will show. And your audience will be much more likely to return for more.
And now, your BONUS TIP –
Want to know the fastest and easiest way to up your cool factor and show up as the amazing professional that you are?
Don’t try to do it alone!
That’s just nuts. It’s too much.
Plus, your audience will look at you in a whole new light when they see you care enough to give them (and yourself) the support you all need. A virtual producer is your safety net, your side-kick and your security blanket. All rolled into one.
This article will give you some ideas of how other professionals elevate their programs by engaging a producer.
If you want to know more about how it works or you’re ready to up your cool factor, let’s chat. Email me at Sheri@waybeyondordinary.com
