VIRTUAL TRAINING
Cindy Huggett, CPTD
In a recent workshop, I asked participants to create a list of reasons why remote learners stay silent in the virtual classroom. In addition to the obvious “they aren’t paying attention” response, other reasons included “don’t want to be the first person to speak,” “non-native language,” “didn’t hear the question,” “not sure of the answer” and more.
All valid reasons for not speaking up. And while silence isn’t inherently bad, if it means that participants aren’t engaged, then they aren’t learning, and the training program will not be successful.
Upon closer inspection of these reasons for silence, many of them can easily be overcome through a simple mantra: clarity is kindness.
“The clearer you are, the kinder you are,” notes executive coach Brené Brown. This seemingly simple insight can increase learner engagement in the virtual classroom. When clarity is prioritized, participants are more likely to get involved.
For example, when participants join from global offices, clarity helps with comprehension. Using straightforward language instead of verbose descriptions help learners more easily translate the content. Try saying “click on the correct response in the poll question” rather than “answer the question after you’ve had time to noodle on it” to prevent confusion.
Here are three additional examples of what makes this mantra successful:
Participants prepare properly when they know what to anticipate. Prior to a virtual class, participants typically receive a calendar invitation with a link. While this is an important task, it’s not clear enough for remote learners in a virtual program.
A better, stronger approach would be to send a detailed preparation checklist with required pre-work, discussion topics and expected learning outcomes. For example, “please watch the following five-minute video {insert link}, respond to these three questions and come prepared to discuss your thoughts with your peers” is much more helpful than “here’s the virtual classroom link. Watch this video before the start time.”
This clarity allows participants to consider their answers, form opinions and contribute meaningfully rather than trying to react on the spot.
Participants recognize what type of interaction is expected. Engagement starts by clearly setting expectations for interaction. It’s best when a detailed description is included in the program marketing, such as “in this class, you’ll be asked to click, type and talk with your peers.”
By letting the audience know in advance how they will be asked to actively participate, the likelihood of them doing so will drastically increase.
If advance communication isn’t possible, then setting expectations at the start of the class will also help. This technique may include detailed notes in a waiting room or lobby message, or a brief activity in the first few minutes.
My favorite method is “raise your hand if you’re surrounded by distractions,” which acknowledges the common challenge. After affirming the raised hands, I’ll add, “if they are distractions you can control, like your email notifications or smartphone dings, let’s take a moment to remove these so that you can fully engage with your peers here in the classroom.”
By being blatantly clear at the start, most participants recognize the expectations and rise to the occasion.
Participants experience a more inclusive learning environment. Providing crystal clear instructions enables more participation because it creates a more equitable environment. If a facilitator says, “come off mute if you’d like to answer” then only one person can speak while everyone else stays silent. But if the facilitator says, “please type your response in chat. There are 15 of you, so let’s get 15 responses,” it clarifies that everyone is invited to respond.
Over and over, throughout the online experience, virtual facilitators should be extra detailed when asking for input. Clear instructions ensure that all voices can be heard.
For instance, “we’ll go in alphabetical order for initial verbal reactions to this scenario, with 15 seconds per person” prevents dominant personalities from monopolizing airtime. Similarly, transparent directions ensure everyone has equal input regardless of verbal assertiveness. (“We’ll use the whiteboard drawing tools to create a list of pros and cons for this method. Start by clicking on the green pencil in the bottom left corner and place a dot on the screen where you will type your first response.”)
When virtual learning environments are infused with clarity, participants thrive. The simple act of being precise in instructions, expectations and engagement methods transforms the online classroom from a potentially passive experience into a comfortable community of active learners.
By embracing “clarity is kindness” as a guiding principle, it encourages participation from everyone. The result? Higher engagement, deeper learning and training programs that deliver measurable results.
Cindy Huggett, CPTD, is a consultant and author whose books include The Facilitator’s Guide to Immersive, Blended and Hybrid Learning and Virtual Training Tools and Templates. Email her at Cindy@CindyHuggett.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/cindyhuggett/.
