9 Virtual Training Etiquette Tips

9 Virtual Training Etiquette Tips

Rolling with the punches and adapting to the changes in reaction to the Covid19 imposed new way of living and working, trainers who were used to classroom and face to face training suddenly found themselves in front of their screens and delivering classes from home. The following are 9 quick tips for proper etiquette to help you deliver your upcoming virtual classes professionally.

1- Make sure you are screen ready.

One of the best things about delivering training from the comfort of your home is the freedom to wear anything to class. However, when you’re in a virtual video meeting, your students don’t need to see your singlets and bedhead. Put on a clean shirt, brush your hair, and set up your webcam at eye level. Don’t be like the news anchors who dress up from the waist up. They look very professional, but behind the desk wear pyjama pants and slippers.

2 - Beware of your background.

Your students won’t take you seriously if you have a pile of dirty clothes or an unmade bed in the corner behind you. Make sure your background is professional, distraction free, and work appropriate, and that the lighting is good. Some professional virtual trainers use background screens to set up behind them so that they look more professional, even though they are delivering the session from their homes.

3 - Minimize distractions.

All kinds of video meetings have enough background noise, so don’t add to it. Make sure you’re in a quiet room; turn off the TV/radio, mute your mobile devices; relocate pets; and if there are kids in the house, make sure that someone has them settled somewhere. Also, minimize use of your keyboard because the sound is distracting.

4 - Keep the mute button handy.

Nothing is more frustrating than hearing that alien echo noise or high pitch screech from conflicting microphones. If you’re working in a noisy place or anywhere that has a lot of background noise, make sure to keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking. It gives everyone else the ability to chime in without distraction.

5 - Make eye contact.

Depending on which platform you are using, your screen probably has the presentation open, a window to type comments, and multiple video screens with your colleagues’/students faces. When it’s your turn to speak, remember to look into your camera, not at the multiple distractions on your computer screen. It takes a while to grasp this, but it looks more natural and connects to people much more effectively.

6 - Speak clearly, concisely, slowly, and don’t interrupt.

The technology has improved greatly for videoconferencing and eLearning, but it’s still smart to speak clearly, concisely and slowly. If you have a decent mic, you don’t need to yell. Your normal speaking volume should be fine. As much as possible, stick to your natural speaking cadence.

7 - Don’t eat.

Even if the class falls during your normal mealtime, don’t eat during your online session. Just because people can’t smell it doesn’t mean they can’t hear or see you chewing. No one wants to see you stuff your face while sharing key learning points. 8 - Don’t multitask.

According to a survey by Raindance Communications, 70 percent of people do unrelated work, 50 percent read or send emails, and 36 percent mute the call to talk to someone else while on a video call. All of these are no-nos. Give the session your full attention. It’s more productive and more respectful.

9 - Be patient.

If you are on a video call and someone doesn’t respond immediately, give him a few seconds. The slow response may be an audio delay or people may be desperately trying to unmute themselves.

Best of luck on your upcoming virtual training initiatives.