Photo by: YuriArcurs via Canva
How do we keep our learners engaged in the virtual classroom? It’s one of our biggest challenges. We know that learner engagement is a crucial part of what makes a virtual session, and the facilitator, successful. But did you know the most engaging tool you have at your disposal is your voice? In the virtual classroom, we need to be very aware of our vocal skills, much more than we do in our typical day.
Think of your voice as a musical instrument. As you speak, your voice gets louder and softer, places emphasis on certain parts, and goes up and down the notes. We also need to fine tune our instrument. In our workshop, The Virtual Trainer, we share different strategies for enhancing our speaking skills in the virtual classroom.
Here are our top five techniques:
Rate of Speech
Let’s not speak too fast or too slow. The recommended rate of speech is 140-175 words per minute or 120-130 words per minute if you have an international audience or group who doesn’t speak your language.
Jargon
Avoid using jargon, idioms, colloquialisms, and slang. Instead of saying “That’s a whole other ball game,” say, “That’s something completely different.” Use examples that everyone can relate to.
Descriptive Language
Paint a picture with words using descriptive language, interesting examples, analogies, and statistics. For example, we can transform an ordinary piece of chocolate cake into a moist, freshly baked confection smothered in a decadent, creamy fudge frosting that’s sure to melt in your mouth!
Smiling
Smile when you speak! Your participants will be able to hear it in your voice. A smile makes your voice sound more engaging and helps you maintain a high energy level while you teach.
Behind the Scenes
Avoid references to the technology as much as possible. Avoid verbalizing “behind the scenes” hang-ups or glitches unless they impact the learner. Don’t say “Oops, I wasn’t supposed to highlight that bullet point.” Simply make the correction without drawing attention to it.
As you reflect on these techniques, think about how you can incorporate them into your next training session. Will you speak at a slightly slower pace and enunciate clearly? What examples will you share? Will you include descriptive language? Will you avoid mentioning any glitches? And don’t forget that smile!
Additional Resource: Tips to Enhance your Speaking Skills in the Virtual Classroom [Video]
For even more tips, please check out our The Virtual Trainer workshop. You’ll be amazed at how engaging and interactive your sessions can be!
