1.2.1 Transferring your training from F2F to virtual classroom

5.     Becoming a  ‘VELVET’ virtual facilitator

A professional virtual facilitator knows the unique capabilities of the virtual classroom and how to leverage those. VELVET summarizes the essence of the virtual facilitation skills:

V for virtual etiquette

Define, communicate and role-model how you would like the learners to engage and interact during the sessions

E for Emotional connection & ENERGY

Spend time on building the relationship and creating a good learning climate. Use your style and creativity using for instance music, images, meditation or games. Whatever it takes to create the atmosphere that works for you as facilitator and your audience

L for Listening

In virtual space, we do not just listen to words, but we listen to silence, what is not said and what is expressed between the lines. With less body language than in F2F settings, listening is your # 1 facilitation tool

V for Voice

If listening is your #1 tool, then your voice is #2. As you are constantly competing for attention with participants’ inbox, browser and physical surroundings, so your voice needs to be varied, inviting, clear and friendly.

E for Engaging visually

Participants are looking at the screen for two hours. Make sure you create a visual environment that is aesthetically appealing and professional looking. Variety is important too, every 20 or 30 second something new should appear on the screen in order to keep the engagement high.

T for Technology

The virtual facilitator is not afraid of technology but does not have to be a geek. We recommend working with a producer, as a team. The producer takes care of technical issues so that the facilitator can focus on the group and the learning process.

Source: "Transferring your training from F2F to virtual classroom - in 5 steps", Fredrik Fogelberg, Linkedin, article online posted n July 2020.