January 3, 2025 • 16 mins
Mastering the Art of Engaging Virtual Workshops
Want access to the book? go to PlatformGrowthBooks.com
In this chapter, we explore the evolution and lessons from the 1950s Chicago TV College, which revolutionized remote education through engaging and interactive methods. The chapter draws parallels to modern virtual workshops, cautioning against monotonous lectures that lead to disengagement and 'Zoom fatigue'. Instead, effective workshops should include short, focused teaching segments, hands-on exercises, Q&A sessions, breakout rooms, and well-timed breaks. By following these five key steps, presenters can create dynamic and memorable virtual workshops that captivate their audiences and enhance learning outcomes.
00:00 Introduction: The Birth of Virtual Workshops
01:08 Engaging Remote Learners: Lessons from the TV College
02:28 Crafting the Perfect Virtual Workshop Agenda
02:49 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Virtual Workshops
05:39 The Magic Formula for Engaging Workshops
06:33 Five Key Steps to Virtual Workshop Success
11:58 Creating Your Own Engaging Workshop Agenda
14:55 Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Virtual Workshops
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hello and welcome to the market.
(00:01):
Your message show.
I'm your host, JonathanMilligan.
And we are going through thethird book in the series.
Validate your offer.
This is an important bookbecause a lot of people will
start their business online.
And then they're trying tofigure out how do I create
(00:21):
something that people will wantand how do I do it without
wasting time?
And that's what this third bookin my book series is all about.
Now as a thank you for being aloyal podcast listener, I am
making the audio book availableone chapter at a time every
single week.
And as you're listening to this,we are currently going through
(00:43):
that.
Validate your offer.
Now, if you ever want the audiobook or you want the book or the
workbook, you can go to platformgrowth, books.com again, it's
platform, growth books.com, andyou could order one of those.
And of course, listen, as you gothrough the book or use the
workbook to implement what youhear.
(01:06):
In each episode.
So with that being said, let'sjump right in to today's
chapter.
Speaker 26 (01:12):
Chapter 10, planning your virtual workshop.
Speakers, close your eyes andimagine this.
It's the 1950s in Chicago, and abold new experiment in education
is taking the city by storm.
No more stuffy classrooms orboring lectures.
No more battling traffic orrushing to make it to class on
time.
Instead, thousands of studentsare learning from their own
(01:34):
living rooms.
They can do this thanks to apioneering program called the TV
College.
A student settles into herfavorite armchair, notepad, and
pencil, ready.
She tunes in to the designatedchannel, and suddenly, the
familiar face of her professorappears on the screen.
But this is no ordinary lecture.
The instructor is lively andengaging.
(01:56):
They use dynamic visuals andclear explanations.
These seem tailor made fortelevision.
The TV college launched byChicago's public colleges was a
game changer.
It brought education to themasses in a whole new way,
breaking down barriers of accessand opportunity.
But it also faced a dauntingchallenge.
How do you keep students engagedwhen they're not in the same
(02:18):
room as their teacher andclassmates?
The answer lies in the art ofcrafting compelling and
Interactive learningexperiences.
The instructors at the TVcollege couldn't rely on the
usual tricks of the trade.
No eye contact, no reading theroom, no live Q& A.
Instead, they had to getcreative.
They used vibrant graphics anddemonstrations to bring abstract
(02:39):
concepts to life.
They broke complex topics downinto digestible chunks, perfect
for the shorter attention spansof home viewers.
They infused their presentationswith personality and humor.
This forged a connection withtheir unseen audience.
In short, they mastered the artof engaging remote students.
This skill is more importantthan ever in the age of virtual
(03:00):
workshops and online learning.
So what can we learn from theintrepid educators of the TV
College?
Their story reminds us thatengaging virtual learners is all
about adapting our approach tosuit the medium.
It's about being dynamic,visual, and relatable.
It's about breaking free fromthe limits of traditional
teaching.
It's about getting creative inhow we connect with our
(03:22):
audience.
As we dive into the world ofvirtual workshops, let's keep
the lessons of the TV collegeclose at hand, because if they
could captivate thousands ofstudents through the tiny
screens of 1950s televisions,imagine what we can achieve with
the interactive tools andtechnologies at our fingertips
today.
The key to unlocking VirtualWorkshop's full potential lies
(03:44):
in crafting an agenda.
It must keep participantsengaged from start to finish.
And that's exactly what we'regoing to explore in this
chapter.
So, grab your notepad and getready to channel your inner TV
college professor.
It's time to master the art ofthe Virtual Workshop agenda.
Speaker 27 (04:01):
The fatal flaw of most virtual workshops.
You're excited to attend avirtual workshop on a topic
you're passionate about.
You clear your schedule, brew afresh cup of coffee and settle
in at your computer, ready tolearn.
But as the minutes tick by, yourenthusiasm starts to wane.
The presenter drones on and on,reading from endless slides
(04:22):
packed with tiny text.
Your mind wanders, yourattention drifts, and before you
know it, you're struggling tokeep your eyes open.
Sound familiar?
It's a scenario that plays outall too often in the world of
virtual workshops.
And it's no wonder why.
The perils of the endlesslecture.
Many well intentioned presentersfall into a trap.
(04:44):
They try to recreate the inperson workshop online.
They figure, Hey, I've got acaptive audience for a few
hours.
I'll just lecture them nonstop.
Like I would in a classroom.
Big mistake.
Here's the thing.
What works in person doesn'talways translate to the virtual
realm.
When you're face to face withthe presenter, there's a certain
(05:05):
energy and connection that cansustain a longer lecture, but
when you're staring at a screen.
It's a whole different ballgame.
The dreaded zoom fatigue everheard of zoom fatigue.
It's that bone deep exhaustionthat sets in after hours of
video calls and online meetings.
And it's a very real phenomenonin the world of virtual
(05:27):
workshops.
You're bombarded with nonstoptalking heads and endless
slides.
Your brain quickly becomesoverloaded.
Your attention span dwindles,your eyes glaze over.
And before you know it.
You're mentally checked out.
All that valuable informationyou were so excited to learn,
it's going in one ear and outthe other.
(05:48):
The result?
The workshop falls flat.
It leaves participants bored anddisengaged.
They question why they botheredto attend.
A better way forward.
But here's the good news.
It doesn't have to be this way.
A few simple tweaks to yourvirtual workshop agenda can make
it engaging, interactive, andmemorable.
(06:08):
The tweaks work no matter howlong the workshop is.
The key prioritizing interactionand variety.
Instead of droning on for hours,break your workshop up into bite
sized chunks.
Aim for short, focused teachingsegments of no more than 15 to
20 minutes at a time.
Think of it like a delicious meal.
You want to serve up a varietyof flavors and textures to keep
(06:28):
things interesting.
Between those teaching segments,mix in plenty of interactive
elements.
Encourage participants to applywhat they're learning through
hands on exercises andactivities.
Spark lively discussions and Q&A sessions.
And don't forget to sprinkle insome well timed breaks to give
everyone a chance to rechargeand refocus.
(06:49):
The magic formula.
So what's the magic formula fora truly engaging virtual
workshop?
Here's a simple guideline tokeep in mind.
Aim for a total workshop lengthof 2 to 4 hours, broken up into
roughly 1 hour segments.
Within each segment include a mix of short teaching
burst, 15 minutes, interactiveexercises and activities, 15
(07:10):
minutes, Q and a, and, orbreakout room discussion.
15 minutes, brief breaks, 15minutes.
By following this formula,you'll create a virtual
workshop.
That's dynamic, engaging, andpacked with value.
Your participants will stayenergized and focused.
They will absorb key insightsand use them right away.
(07:31):
So don't fall into the trap ofthe endless lecture, embrace
interaction and variety.
Watch soar.
They will reach new heights ofimpact and effectiveness.
Let's take a closer look at eachsegment.
Speaker 28 (07:45):
The five key steps to virtual workshop success,
ready to craft a virtualworkshop that truly engages and
inspires.
It all comes down to five keysteps.
Master these and you'll be wellon your way to delivering a
workshop that packs a punch andleaves a lasting impact.
Step one, embrace the power ofbite sized teaching.
(08:07):
Imagine you're a fitness trainerleading a high energy workout
class.
You wouldn't have yourparticipants do the same
exercise for an hour straight,would you?
Of course not.
You'd mix things up.
You'd alternate cardio, strengthtraining, and stretching.
This keeps them engaged andenergized.
The same principle applies tovirtual workshops.
Don't bombard your audience witha marathon lecture.
(08:30):
Instead, break your content intoshort 15 minute segments.
Think of each segment as afocused sprint that dives deep
into a specific topic or skill.
By teaching in these shortbursts, you maximize learning
and minimize fatigue.
Your participants stay alert,engaged, and ready to absorb new
insights.
It's a simple yet powerful wayto keep the energy high and the
(08:52):
momentum going.
Step two, bring learning to lifewith applied exercises.
Ever heard the saying, practicemakes perfect.
It's a cliche for a reason.
When it comes to learning,there's no substitute for hands
on experience.
That's why after each 15 minuteteaching segment, it's crucial
(09:13):
to give your participants achance to apply what they've
learned.
Dedicate 10 to 15 minutes to aninteractive exercise or activity
that brings the concepts tolife.
This isn't just a nice to have,it's backed by science.
A 2014 study by Freeman et alfound that active learning Like
problem solving and discussionleads to better understanding.
(09:36):
It's better than just passivelistening.
So don't just tell yourparticipants what to do.
Give them a chance to practiceit for themselves.
It might be a quick brainstorm,a mini project or a group
discussion.
These practical exercises willcement the learning and make it
stick.
Step three, spark livelydiscussions with Q and A
(09:57):
sessions.
Picture this.
It's ancient Greece, and thegreat philosopher Socrates is
engaging his students in alively dialogue.
He's not just lecturing them,he's asking thought provoking
questions, challenging theirassumptions, and sparking new
insights.
Fast forward a few thousandyears, and the power of
questions remains just aspotent.
(10:18):
That's why, throughout yourvirtual workshop, it's essential
to carve out dedicated time forQ& A sessions.
Aim to include a 15 minute Q& Ablock after every hour of
content.
This lets your participants askclarifying questions.
They can also share their ownexperiences and dive deeper into
their favorite topics.
(10:38):
But Q& A isn't just a benefitfor your audience.
It's also an invaluable tool foryou as the instructor.
You can gauge theirunderstanding by hearing from
your participants.
You can identify areas wherethey may struggle and adjust
your approach on the fly.
It's like having a real timefeedback loop that helps you
tailor the workshop to theirspecific needs.
(10:59):
Step four, foster connection andcollaboration with breakout
rooms.
One of the biggest challenges ofvirtual workshops is creating a
sense of community andconnection.
When participants are scatteredacross different locations and
time zones, it can be tough tofoster that feeling of being in
it together.
That's where Zoom breakout roomscome in.
(11:20):
Divide your participants intosmaller groups.
This creates chances forintimate discussions, teamwork,
and peer learning.
As adult learning expert, JaneVela puts it, The key to a great
workshop is the right mix ofcontent, activity, reflection,
and interaction.
Breakout rooms provide theessential interaction.
They allow participants to learnfrom each other.
(11:42):
So don't be afraid to mix thingsup and send your participants
into breakout rooms throughoutthe workshop.
They are for quick icebreakersor more in depth projects.
These interactions buildcamaraderie and make learning
feel personal and engaging.
Speaker 29 (11:56):
Step five, give the brain a break.
Last but not least, don'tunderestimate the power of a
well timed break.
When you're in the thick of amulti hour workshop, it can be
tempting to plow through withoutcoming up for air, but that's a
recipe for burnout anddisengagement.
The science is clear.
Brief breaks are essential formaintaining focus and
(12:17):
motivation.
A 2011 study by Erriga and Jerezfound that short breaks can
reduce fatigue.
They restore attention, helpingparticipants stay sharp and
engaged.
So make sure to schedule 10 to15 minute breaks at least every
hour.
Encourage participants to stepaway from their screens, stretch
their legs, grab a snack, orsimply rest their eyes.
(12:40):
These little moments of respitewill help them recharge and come
back ready to learn.
And there you have it, the fivekey steps to virtual workshop
success.
Break your content into bitesized parts.
Add applied exercises.
Spark lively Q& As.
Foster small group interactions.
Give the brain a break.
(13:01):
This will create a workshop thattruly engages, inspires, and
sticks with your participants.
They'll remember it long afterthe final Zoom call.
Today's exercise, craft yourengaging workshop agenda.
All right.
It's time to put theseprinciples into practice, grab a
pen and paper, or open up afresh document on your computer.
We're going to take the next 10to 15 minutes to draft a high
(13:24):
level agenda for your ownvirtual workshop.
Don't worry about getting itperfect.
This is just a starting point.
The goal is to get your creativejuices flowing.
Start to see how you canstructure your workshop for
maximum engagement and impact.
Step one, determine your totalworkshop length.
First things first, how long doyou want your workshop to be?
(13:47):
Aim for somewhere between two tofour hours total.
This is the sweet spot for mostvirtual workshops.
Long enough to dive deep intoyour content, but not so long
that participants start to losesteam.
Step two, break it down intohourly segments.
Now that you have your totalworkshop length, break it down
(14:08):
into hourly segments.
For example, if you're planninga 3 hour workshop, you'll have 3
1 hour segments to work with.
Step 3.
Fill in your agenda buildingblocks.
For each hourly segment, startslotting in the key building
blocks of an engaging workshop.
1 3 content segments, 15, 20minutes each.
(14:30):
1 3 interactive exercises oractivities, 10, 15 minutes each.
A 15 minute Q& A session.
A 10 15 minute break.
Mix and match these elements ina way that feels natural and
flows well with your content.
Remember, variety is key.
You want to keep things dynamicand engaging throughout the
workshop.
(14:50):
Step four, rinse and repeat.
Once you've filled in your firsthourly segment, repeat the
process for the remainingsegments.
Again, don't get too bogged downin the details.
This is just a high leveloutline to give you a sense of
the overall flow and structure.
Step five, stand back and admireyour work.
(15:11):
Take a step back and look atyour completed agenda.
How does it feel?
Does it have a good mix ofcontent, interaction, and
breathing room?
Are there any areas that feeltoo heavy or too light?
Don't be afraid to make tweaksand adjustments as needed.
This is your workshop.
And you know, your content andaudience best trust your
instincts and create an agendathat feels authentic and
(15:32):
engaging to you.
And there you have it your firstdraft of an engaging virtual
workshop agenda.
It might not be perfect, butit's a great starting point as
you continue to refine anditerate.
Keep the key principles in mind.
They are short content,interactive exercises, lively Q
and A's, small group breakouts,and well timed breaks.
(15:55):
With this foundation in place,you're on your way.
You're making a virtual workshopthat truly resonates and has a
lasting impact.
So go forth and create somethingamazing.
Your audience will thank you forit.
Key takeaways, vary activitiesand limit lectures to 15 minute
segments to keep virtualworkshops engaging.
(16:16):
Applied exercises, Q and A, andsmall group breakouts create an
interactive learning experience,including breaks.
Each hour helps maintain energyand focus throughout multi hour
workshops.
Hello and welcome to the market.
(00:01):
Your message show.
I'm your host, JonathanMilligan.
And we are going through thethird book in the series.
Validate your offer.
This is an important bookbecause a lot of people will
start their business online.
And then they're trying tofigure out how do I create
(00:21):
something that people will wantand how do I do it without
wasting time?
And that's what this third bookin my book series is all about.
Now as a thank you for being aloyal podcast listener, I am
making the audio book availableone chapter at a time every
single week.
And as you're listening to this,we are currently going through
(00:43):
that.
Validate your offer.
Now, if you ever want the audiobook or you want the book or the
workbook, you can go to platformgrowth, books.com again, it's
platform, growth books.com, andyou could order one of those.
And of course, listen, as you gothrough the book or use the
workbook to implement what youhear.
(01:06):
In each episode.
So with that being said, let'sjump right in to today's
chapter.
Speaker 26 (01:12):
Chapter 10, planning your virtual workshop.
Speakers, close your eyes andimagine this.
It's the 1950s in Chicago, and abold new experiment in education
is taking the city by storm.
No more stuffy classrooms orboring lectures.
No more battling traffic orrushing to make it to class on
time.
Instead, thousands of studentsare learning from their own
(01:34):
living rooms.
They can do this thanks to apioneering program called the TV
College.
A student settles into herfavorite armchair, notepad, and
pencil, ready.
She tunes in to the designatedchannel, and suddenly, the
familiar face of her professorappears on the screen.
But this is no ordinary lecture.
The instructor is lively andengaging.
(01:56):
They use dynamic visuals andclear explanations.
These seem tailor made fortelevision.
The TV college launched byChicago's public colleges was a
game changer.
It brought education to themasses in a whole new way,
breaking down barriers of accessand opportunity.
But it also faced a dauntingchallenge.
How do you keep students engagedwhen they're not in the same
(02:18):
room as their teacher andclassmates?
The answer lies in the art ofcrafting compelling and
Interactive learningexperiences.
The instructors at the TVcollege couldn't rely on the
usual tricks of the trade.
No eye contact, no reading theroom, no live Q& A.
Instead, they had to getcreative.
They used vibrant graphics anddemonstrations to bring abstract
(02:39):
concepts to life.
They broke complex topics downinto digestible chunks, perfect
for the shorter attention spansof home viewers.
They infused their presentationswith personality and humor.
This forged a connection withtheir unseen audience.
In short, they mastered the artof engaging remote students.
This skill is more importantthan ever in the age of virtual
(03:00):
workshops and online learning.
So what can we learn from theintrepid educators of the TV
College?
Their story reminds us thatengaging virtual learners is all
about adapting our approach tosuit the medium.
It's about being dynamic,visual, and relatable.
It's about breaking free fromthe limits of traditional
teaching.
It's about getting creative inhow we connect with our
(03:22):
audience.
As we dive into the world ofvirtual workshops, let's keep
the lessons of the TV collegeclose at hand, because if they
could captivate thousands ofstudents through the tiny
screens of 1950s televisions,imagine what we can achieve with
the interactive tools andtechnologies at our fingertips
today.
The key to unlocking VirtualWorkshop's full potential lies
(03:44):
in crafting an agenda.
It must keep participantsengaged from start to finish.
And that's exactly what we'regoing to explore in this
chapter.
So, grab your notepad and getready to channel your inner TV
college professor.
It's time to master the art ofthe Virtual Workshop agenda.
Speaker 27 (04:01):
The fatal flaw of most virtual workshops.
You're excited to attend avirtual workshop on a topic
you're passionate about.
You clear your schedule, brew afresh cup of coffee and settle
in at your computer, ready tolearn.
But as the minutes tick by, yourenthusiasm starts to wane.
The presenter drones on and on,reading from endless slides
(04:22):
packed with tiny text.
Your mind wanders, yourattention drifts, and before you
know it, you're struggling tokeep your eyes open.
Sound familiar?
It's a scenario that plays outall too often in the world of
virtual workshops.
And it's no wonder why.
The perils of the endlesslecture.
Many well intentioned presentersfall into a trap.
(04:44):
They try to recreate the inperson workshop online.
They figure, Hey, I've got acaptive audience for a few
hours.
I'll just lecture them nonstop.
Like I would in a classroom.
Big mistake.
Here's the thing.
What works in person doesn'talways translate to the virtual
realm.
When you're face to face withthe presenter, there's a certain
(05:05):
energy and connection that cansustain a longer lecture, but
when you're staring at a screen.
It's a whole different ballgame.
The dreaded zoom fatigue everheard of zoom fatigue.
It's that bone deep exhaustionthat sets in after hours of
video calls and online meetings.
And it's a very real phenomenonin the world of virtual
(05:27):
workshops.
You're bombarded with nonstoptalking heads and endless
slides.
Your brain quickly becomesoverloaded.
Your attention span dwindles,your eyes glaze over.
And before you know it.
You're mentally checked out.
All that valuable informationyou were so excited to learn,
it's going in one ear and outthe other.
(05:48):
The result?
The workshop falls flat.
It leaves participants bored anddisengaged.
They question why they botheredto attend.
A better way forward.
But here's the good news.
It doesn't have to be this way.
A few simple tweaks to yourvirtual workshop agenda can make
it engaging, interactive, andmemorable.
(06:08):
The tweaks work no matter howlong the workshop is.
The key prioritizing interactionand variety.
Instead of droning on for hours,break your workshop up into bite
sized chunks.
Aim for short, focused teachingsegments of no more than 15 to
20 minutes at a time.
Think of it like a delicious meal.
You want to serve up a varietyof flavors and textures to keep
(06:28):
things interesting.
Between those teaching segments,mix in plenty of interactive
elements.
Encourage participants to applywhat they're learning through
hands on exercises andactivities.
Spark lively discussions and Q&A sessions.
And don't forget to sprinkle insome well timed breaks to give
everyone a chance to rechargeand refocus.
(06:49):
The magic formula.
So what's the magic formula fora truly engaging virtual
workshop?
Here's a simple guideline tokeep in mind.
Aim for a total workshop lengthof 2 to 4 hours, broken up into
roughly 1 hour segments.
Within each segment include a mix of short teaching
burst, 15 minutes, interactiveexercises and activities, 15
(07:10):
minutes, Q and a, and, orbreakout room discussion.
15 minutes, brief breaks, 15minutes.
By following this formula,you'll create a virtual
workshop.
That's dynamic, engaging, andpacked with value.
Your participants will stayenergized and focused.
They will absorb key insightsand use them right away.
(07:31):
So don't fall into the trap ofthe endless lecture, embrace
interaction and variety.
Watch soar.
They will reach new heights ofimpact and effectiveness.
Let's take a closer look at eachsegment.
Speaker 28 (07:45):
The five key steps to virtual workshop success,
ready to craft a virtualworkshop that truly engages and
inspires.
It all comes down to five keysteps.
Master these and you'll be wellon your way to delivering a
workshop that packs a punch andleaves a lasting impact.
Step one, embrace the power ofbite sized teaching.
(08:07):
Imagine you're a fitness trainerleading a high energy workout
class.
You wouldn't have yourparticipants do the same
exercise for an hour straight,would you?
Of course not.
You'd mix things up.
You'd alternate cardio, strengthtraining, and stretching.
This keeps them engaged andenergized.
The same principle applies tovirtual workshops.
Don't bombard your audience witha marathon lecture.
(08:30):
Instead, break your content intoshort 15 minute segments.
Think of each segment as afocused sprint that dives deep
into a specific topic or skill.
By teaching in these shortbursts, you maximize learning
and minimize fatigue.
Your participants stay alert,engaged, and ready to absorb new
insights.
It's a simple yet powerful wayto keep the energy high and the
(08:52):
momentum going.
Step two, bring learning to lifewith applied exercises.
Ever heard the saying, practicemakes perfect.
It's a cliche for a reason.
When it comes to learning,there's no substitute for hands
on experience.
That's why after each 15 minuteteaching segment, it's crucial
(09:13):
to give your participants achance to apply what they've
learned.
Dedicate 10 to 15 minutes to aninteractive exercise or activity
that brings the concepts tolife.
This isn't just a nice to have,it's backed by science.
A 2014 study by Freeman et alfound that active learning Like
problem solving and discussionleads to better understanding.
(09:36):
It's better than just passivelistening.
So don't just tell yourparticipants what to do.
Give them a chance to practiceit for themselves.
It might be a quick brainstorm,a mini project or a group
discussion.
These practical exercises willcement the learning and make it
stick.
Step three, spark livelydiscussions with Q and A
(09:57):
sessions.
Picture this.
It's ancient Greece, and thegreat philosopher Socrates is
engaging his students in alively dialogue.
He's not just lecturing them,he's asking thought provoking
questions, challenging theirassumptions, and sparking new
insights.
Fast forward a few thousandyears, and the power of
questions remains just aspotent.
(10:18):
That's why, throughout yourvirtual workshop, it's essential
to carve out dedicated time forQ& A sessions.
Aim to include a 15 minute Q& Ablock after every hour of
content.
This lets your participants askclarifying questions.
They can also share their ownexperiences and dive deeper into
their favorite topics.
(10:38):
But Q& A isn't just a benefitfor your audience.
It's also an invaluable tool foryou as the instructor.
You can gauge theirunderstanding by hearing from
your participants.
You can identify areas wherethey may struggle and adjust
your approach on the fly.
It's like having a real timefeedback loop that helps you
tailor the workshop to theirspecific needs.
(10:59):
Step four, foster connection andcollaboration with breakout
rooms.
One of the biggest challenges ofvirtual workshops is creating a
sense of community andconnection.
When participants are scatteredacross different locations and
time zones, it can be tough tofoster that feeling of being in
it together.
That's where Zoom breakout roomscome in.
(11:20):
Divide your participants intosmaller groups.
This creates chances forintimate discussions, teamwork,
and peer learning.
As adult learning expert, JaneVela puts it, The key to a great
workshop is the right mix ofcontent, activity, reflection,
and interaction.
Breakout rooms provide theessential interaction.
They allow participants to learnfrom each other.
(11:42):
So don't be afraid to mix thingsup and send your participants
into breakout rooms throughoutthe workshop.
They are for quick icebreakersor more in depth projects.
These interactions buildcamaraderie and make learning
feel personal and engaging.
Speaker 29 (11:56):
Step five, give the brain a break.
Last but not least, don'tunderestimate the power of a
well timed break.
When you're in the thick of amulti hour workshop, it can be
tempting to plow through withoutcoming up for air, but that's a
recipe for burnout anddisengagement.
The science is clear.
Brief breaks are essential formaintaining focus and
(12:17):
motivation.
A 2011 study by Erriga and Jerezfound that short breaks can
reduce fatigue.
They restore attention, helpingparticipants stay sharp and
engaged.
So make sure to schedule 10 to15 minute breaks at least every
hour.
Encourage participants to stepaway from their screens, stretch
their legs, grab a snack, orsimply rest their eyes.
(12:40):
These little moments of respitewill help them recharge and come
back ready to learn.
And there you have it, the fivekey steps to virtual workshop
success.
Break your content into bitesized parts.
Add applied exercises.
Spark lively Q& As.
Foster small group interactions.
Give the brain a break.
(13:01):
This will create a workshop thattruly engages, inspires, and
sticks with your participants.
They'll remember it long afterthe final Zoom call.
Today's exercise, craft yourengaging workshop agenda.
All right.
It's time to put theseprinciples into practice, grab a
pen and paper, or open up afresh document on your computer.
We're going to take the next 10to 15 minutes to draft a high
(13:24):
level agenda for your ownvirtual workshop.
Don't worry about getting itperfect.
This is just a starting point.
The goal is to get your creativejuices flowing.
Start to see how you canstructure your workshop for
maximum engagement and impact.
Step one, determine your totalworkshop length.
First things first, how long doyou want your workshop to be?
(13:47):
Aim for somewhere between two tofour hours total.
This is the sweet spot for mostvirtual workshops.
Long enough to dive deep intoyour content, but not so long
that participants start to losesteam.
Step two, break it down intohourly segments.
Now that you have your totalworkshop length, break it down
(14:08):
into hourly segments.
For example, if you're planninga 3 hour workshop, you'll have 3
1 hour segments to work with.
Step 3.
Fill in your agenda buildingblocks.
For each hourly segment, startslotting in the key building
blocks of an engaging workshop.
1 3 content segments, 15, 20minutes each.
(14:30):
1 3 interactive exercises oractivities, 10, 15 minutes each.
A 15 minute Q& A session.
A 10 15 minute break.
Mix and match these elements ina way that feels natural and
flows well with your content.
Remember, variety is key.
You want to keep things dynamicand engaging throughout the
workshop.
(14:50):
Step four, rinse and repeat.
Once you've filled in your firsthourly segment, repeat the
process for the remainingsegments.
Again, don't get too bogged downin the details.
This is just a high leveloutline to give you a sense of
the overall flow and structure.
Step five, stand back and admireyour work.
(15:11):
Take a step back and look atyour completed agenda.
How does it feel?
Does it have a good mix ofcontent, interaction, and
breathing room?
Are there any areas that feeltoo heavy or too light?
Don't be afraid to make tweaksand adjustments as needed.
This is your workshop.
And you know, your content andaudience best trust your
instincts and create an agendathat feels authentic and
(15:32):
engaging to you.
And there you have it your firstdraft of an engaging virtual
workshop agenda.
It might not be perfect, butit's a great starting point as
you continue to refine anditerate.
Keep the key principles in mind.
They are short content,interactive exercises, lively Q
and A's, small group breakouts,and well timed breaks.
(15:55):
With this foundation in place,you're on your way.
You're making a virtual workshopthat truly resonates and has a
lasting impact.
So go forth and create somethingamazing.
Your audience will thank you forit.
Key takeaways, vary activitiesand limit lectures to 15 minute
segments to keep virtualworkshops engaging.
(16:16):
Applied exercises, Q and A, andsmall group breakouts create an
interactive learning experience,including breaks.
Each hour helps maintain energyand focus throughout multi hour
workshops.
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