# data[].attributes.body
The review of Poll Everywhere's new leaderboard functionality highlights its similarities to Kahoot! in terms of creating interactive quizzes with a points system. The facilitation process is similar to Kahoot!, with rewards for speed and a countdown timer for responses. While Poll Everywhere offers more options and integrates well with PowerPoint, the point scales are lower. Overall, the new leaderboard feature may tip the scales in favor of Poll Everywhere for certain projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Poll Everywhere Leaderboard Review - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This week, Poll Everywhere released a new poll option with leaderboard functionality. If you are unfamiliar with Poll Everywhere, check out this post. This

# data[].attributes.body
Each year, people submit their top 10 digital tools for learning to Jane Hart's list. The author shares their top 10, which includes WordPress, Google Search, PollEverywhere, and more. These tools are used for collaboration, communication, and learning in different work settings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Essential Workplace Learning Tools - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for new digital tools to use for workplace learning? Here are the top 10 tools I’ve been using this year.

# data[].attributes.body
By incorporating interactive poll questions using tools like PollEverywhere, presenters can engage the audience and make the presentation more interactive. This allows for immediate feedback, increased participation, and a more engaging experience for both the presenter and the audience. Emphasizing the desire to involve participants in the presentation, the article encourages readers to explore the use of technology to enhance audience engagement in their presentations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cool PowerPoint Tricks: Real-time Polling - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PowerPoint doesn't need to be a 1-way medium of communication. Creative presenters may use PowerPoint to get ideas from the audience and write text on the

# data[].attributes.body
This article talks about being prepared for technical issues in virtual meetings and offers solutions for common problems like polls not showing, breakout room difficulties, and missing documents. It emphasizes the role of a producer in troubleshooting and provides practical tips to keep sessions running smoothly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
When Zoom attacks, will you know what to do? - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you're using Zoom or any other platform, technical difficulties are bound to happen. Will you know how to respond?

# data[].attributes.body
Key points include the importance of engaging participants, utilizing virtual tools effectively, and the role of a producer in virtual training sessions. LaBorie emphasizes the need to prioritize participants' needs and engagement, highlighting the impact of effective communication and interaction in virtual environments.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I have been trying to get my family to do a Zoom meeting for holidays for years now. Every year prior to this one, I have seen a lot of resistance to holiday gatherings via a webcam. Many arguing that if we weren't actually together, why should we sit in front of a computer and stare at each other. Fast forward to 2020, and I have regular Zoom happy hours with friends, I met my sister's new puppy last week via Zoom, and I have helped my in-laws pick out a webcam so they can see their granddaughters more often.

Many of us who have worked remotely had little to get used to with the new virtual meeting culture. Fast adapters are common with any technology, and those adapters will sing the praises, and even write books on the application of these tools before they are heavily used by everyone. Kassy LaBorie is one of the early adopters for virtual tools like Zoom, Teams, etc... as a remote training tool. On this week's Train Like You Listen podcast, Kassy joins us to share some insights on virtual instructor-led training after a year where many of us were unexpectedly thrust into adopting these tools.

Transcript of the Conversation with Kassy LaBorie

Brian Washburn: Welcome, everyone, to Train Like You Listen, a weekly podcast about all things learning & development in bite-sized chunks. Brought to you by Soapbox, the world's only rapid-authoring tool for instructor-led training. Give us 5 minutes and we'll give you a presentation.

We're here with Kassy LaBorie today, who is a guest that we had here early on when we just started doing these podcasts [ Editor's Note: Check out Designing Webinars with Kassy LaBorie], and she has joined us again. Kassy is the author of 2 books focused on virtual training. One of them is called Interact and Engage, which offers a number of different activities that can help you interact and engage with your learners. And then she has a new book out called Producing Virtual Training, Meetings and Webinars. Kassy, thank you so much for joining us today.

6-Word Introduction

Brian Washburn: We are going to start as we do all the time by having our guests introduce themselves in exactly 6 words, with today's topic being focused on virtual training and lessons learned over a year of virtual sessions. For me, my biography in 6 words would be "I've been preaching virtual for years." How about you? How do you sum up your life and career in 6 words?

Kassy LaBorie: Oh my goodness. I've thought about this, but here we go, "Mama finally knows what I do".

Brian Washburn: (CHUCKLING) Nice! It's good. And it's good to have parents that are really interested and, kind of, curious about what we do.

Kassy LaBorie: (LAUGHING)

Seeking Help With Virtual Training, Meetings and Webinars in 2020

Brian Washburn: Kassy, you have several books out now about virtual meetings and training and so I imagine that people are reaching out to you, or people have been reaching out to you all year long. What have been some of the most common questions that people have reached out to you to ask about this year?

Kassy LaBorie: After the "help me!" the first question is "how do I engage people?" But really we've just been in this survival mode. For two decades I've been hoping that people would finally notice what they're missing out on. And then it was forced upon them. It was forced upon them and I have big feelings about that on their behalf, you know? And certainly enjoy helping and working with people so they can figure out how to be more comfortable. But the biggest thing is just "how do I do this and not hate it?!"

Brian Washburn: Yeah. I started with Webex like 15 year ago, and it was interesting that we didn't have to get on an airplane and deliver training. So we could do it from the comfort of our own desk, but that said, it's a challenge to be able to engage people. It's a very different environment than being in the classroom.

Is Virtual Training Really That Different Than In-Person?

Brian Washburn: You know, people have been doing this all year long, or really since March, when the pandemic forced people away from their offices, stopped travel and people had to quarantine. But work and business still had to go. What have been some of the most surprising things that you have seen or learned with all of the virtual training that's taken place this year?

Kassy LaBorie: I think beyond everyone finally doing it, (CHUCKLING)I think what's been a bit surprising is just how challenging it is for people to see that it isn't that different. I mean, like to your point right now, you just said "it's totally different". Well, it is but then once you figure out the technology and what it's doing, which is admittedly quite overwhelming, it's all of a sudden not the different. You know, how we relate to people and how people learn things and the types of things people need to do remain the same.

Brian Washburn: That's true. The fundamentals are the same, right? For a learning experience it starts with the learning objectives. Although you do have some things that are fundamentally different. For me, as a presenter, I feed a lot off of the energy of an in-person crowd. And it's a little bit more difficult with the virtual platform to figure out "are people paying attention? Are they multitasking?" things like that. That said, everything that you're saying in terms of "the fundamentals are very much similar", I think is spot-on.

The Virtual Environment is All About the Participant, Not the Presenter

Kassy LaBorie: Just I think that the virtual environment requires us to not be focused on ourselves...

Brian Washburn: Hmmm.

Kassy LaBorie: If we want engagement, if we want to be able to "work a room" -"work a virtual room"- we have to get over ourselves and learn how to make it about the participants and what they need to do and how they're going to respond. Because us standing up there and performing and feeding off of that "energy" - the energy is them being part of it, not us performing for them.

Brian Washburn: That's a great point, you know, because I think that a lot of people feel like they can get away with just, kind of, talking at people or telling stories in-person. You can finesse it or take advantage of the power of personality to do that. With virtual it's very, very different, and so -

Kassy LaBorie: Yeah, so you need that. It's like you have to start with that, because otherwise they're not going to listen at all. But you can't - it doesn't carry it the whole time.

Brian Washburn: Yeah.

Kassy LaBorie: And in a virtual, live environment if you're wanting to "be able to read the room" you have to let them be read. We don't do that. We just perform, and then wonder "why aren't they responding?" And they're sitting there going "should I respond? And if I should, how? And in what way will they even see me if I do? What should I do?"

Fundamental Ways Trainers Can Ensure Participants Are The Focus

Brian Washburn: Yeah. So there's been a ton, a gazillion articles out there, since March, about how to be effective in the virtual environment. But how do you, through all that noise, what are some of those fundamental things that you would suggest in order for anybody who's listening to really be able to put learners front and center? What are some of the things that people can do to make sure that learners are front and center and that's where the energy can be found?

Kassy LaBorie: So not to diminish that you have to have an excellent internet connection.

Brian Washburn: (CHUCKLING)

Kassy LaBorie: I just moved into a new space and you know I've spent extra time getting hard-wired, which it sounds very old-school but WIFI - I can't cut out while I'm trying to connect with people. Having an excellent connection, having excellent audio - whatever way you go about doing that - great lighting and a non-distracting background, that matches your audience's expectations. You know you start with all of that so that you can be seen and heard in a way that's professional and - you know, professional within the definition of who you're presenting to and what you do, ok, and your brand. And also comfortable for people. So you have to start there, with this - for lack of a better word, "perfect connection", ok?

Brian Washburn: Yep, yep.

Using The Tools of Virtual Training

Kassy LaBorie: Then, from there, it's no longer about me, it's about you. So I have to do things like making sure I really know how to use the tools of the platform that I am in. That I can comfortably share over to whatever presentation materials that I have, that I know how to make those look great. That I know where people can chat, that they can poll, how they can give feedback beyond just smiling on a camera. I need to know how to use all of those features in a way that is as natural as possible. Because I'm going to use all of those features to replace that nonverbal communication that I'm oh-so-used-to in person.

Once you learn to use feedback, chat, annotation, polling - once you learn to use those things and see them as valid ways of communicating and in natural, spontaneous ways, it is better than trying to discern or believe or understand what people are giving me nonverbally.

Brian Washburn: So much better, yeah.

Kassy LaBorie: I officially no longer believe you nonverbally. I'm like "chat that and then I'll know what you're really thinking". You know? (LAUGHING)

Using Webcams During Virtual Training

Brian Washburn: (LAUGHING) And what's your philosophy around webcams? Some people say "oh, I require people to have them on." Other people say "ah, I let people choose". What's your philosophy?

Kassy LaBorie: Oooh, thanks for asking. And you need to know I'm an actor and a performer. (LAUGHING)

Brian Washburn: (LAUGHING)

Kassy LaBorie: But here's a funny thing. In my first book, in "Interact and Engage", I was like "only be on camera when you need to and it serves the learning objectives". You know, now fast forward, and it's been 5 years since that book was published, I'm on the camera all the time. And I'm having fun on the camera. I love being natural. I do not stare into it and perform monologues for people. I don't think I have to do that. I look at chat, polling, whiteboards. I look at all the things going on and sometimes I come close, and move far away, and I make faces. And I try to act as normal - if that's normal - as possible. I want them to see me for who I really am and I really like the camera now.

Brian Washburn: And do you require your participants to have their cameras on or is it just yours?

Kassy LaBorie: I don't require anything of participants other than "hey, what do you need?" and "tell me". I require you tell me what you need. Otherwise I cannot meet whatever you need me to help you do. So if participants want to be on camera I highly encourage it because it's great and wonderful. And I will highly encourage it very persuasively for at least introductions. But then I think what's most important is for people to be comfortable - what works best for them. And I certainly do not expect them to be staring into the camera and looking at me the whole time because i'm not doing that. And I don't think that someone staring into a camera is any kind of indication as to whether or not they're learning what we're doing.

Using a Producer During Virtual Training

Brian Washburn: And, so, do you use a Producer when you're doing your sessions?

Kassy LaBorie: I always use a Producer when I'm doing my sessions, And, in fact, that's what my 2nd book is on - the topic of producing virtual training and the recognition that all the technical and logistical aspects of running a virtual training are just as important as all of the content and all of the meaning that we're helping to make when we share it. And if we're expecting one person to do both of those things, something's gotta give.

Brian Washburn: Yeah. That's a great point. And people ask me all the time, "you know, what happens if I don't have a Producer?". And you can do something without a Producer but it may not be what you want it to be or it may not be the experience that you want your participants to have.

Kassy LaBorie: Well, and, honestly too sometimes I am on my own. But what I'll do is I have people around me. I have people around me via instant message or text and if I was in a situation, even if I was on my own because somebody wasn't available to produce with me, I could still reach out. And I have, probably, a good dozen people that would jump into my session in that moment and help me.

Brian Washburn: Mmmhmm. Nice. It's good to have people, especially in this day and age.

Keeping Participants Active and "Alive" During Virtual Training

Brian Washburn: Now for people who have never attended one of your sessions, your sessions are often characterized by these little zombies. Can you tell me more about your zombies?

Kassy LaBorie: (LAUGHING) Yeah, these little zombies. It's funny i've been using them slightly less since the pandemic, you know, just because of the connection. I didn't want people to feel nervous.

Brian Washburn: Sure.

Kassy LaBorie: But I still love them so much. They're these little - they're cute. They're not real. They're not real. I don't really believe in them. (LAUGHING)

Brian Washburn: (LAUGHING)

Kassy LaBorie: But they're just these little guys, little toys, and they just serve as a reminder. People can win them. And they serve as a reminder of, hey, if you're keeping people active and "alive" during the sessions, through activities and through making the session about them, they won't be members of the "walking dead" as it may feel when you are presenting online.

Brian Washburn: That's such a great - I love that as the metaphor.

Get to Know Kassy LaBorie

Brian Washburn: We're wrapping up here and so let me just ask a few speed round questions so that people can get to know you a little bit more. Now you live in Rochester, New York, which is also my childhood home.

Kassy LaBorie: Yay!

Brian Washburn: Do you prefer the snowy winters or the hot, humid summers?

Kassy LaBorie: (CHUCKLING) I prefer the fall, so I guess you could say i'm right in the middle.

Brian Washburn: (LAUGHING)

Kassy LaBorie: But I will tell you this, when I was a little girl dreaming of the wedding, blah blah blah, it was always an ice castle with everything white and glistening and glittery.

Brian Washburn: And you can get that for, like, months at a time, which is awesome. (LAUGHING)

Kassy LaBorie: (LAUGHING)

Brian Washburn: So should anyone visiting Rochester actually try a garbage plate?

Kassy LaBorie: I cannot speak to that because though I have lived here for 8 years I've actually never tasted one -

Brian Washburn: Oh noooo!

Kassy LaBorie: - because I cannot bring myself to do it. I know, it's horrible, hence the pause.

Brian Washburn: (CHUCKLING)

Kassy LaBorie: However, I think that you should try - there's a lot of versions now. There's even veggie versions, there's healthy versions. I know it's a travesty. I haven't tried it but I just can't bring myself to do it!

Brian Washburn: And for those who are curious what a garbage plate is go ahead and Google it. It is a Rochester delicacy that lives up to its name.

Kassy LaBorie: (LAUGHING)

Brian Washburn: How about anything you've read or listened to recently, you know, could be podcasts or whatever, that other folks in the field should be paying attention to.

Kassy LaBorie: Oh my goodness, well I have to be honest, I have been listening to you and also Betty Dannewitz, who always makes me very excited. And then I love what Brent Schlenker and the team at the Learning Train are doing as well. I tend to be wanting to connect with people live and so I'm following people that are doing those types of things, and really reading and paying attention to what people are posting on LinkedIn that are very "in the moment".

Brian Washburn: Yeah, and so for those who are listening, if you're curious about Betty, her podcast I believe is called " If You Ask Betty". And Brent Shlenker has a webcast series that you can check out if you Google "Instructional Designers in Offices Drinking Coffee" or IDIODC for short. I think that you were just on an episode of IDIODC not too long ago. Do you want to talk a little bit about that?

Kassy LaBorie: Yeah, sure. I'm excited that I had a chance to be there. It's always an engaging group and we are always supporting each other too. I can't tell you how many times I might start the day off just feeling not motivated or sort of wishing I was around more people and I'll get an email from that group that's going live. And all of a sudden I go in there. Like, I had writer's block the other day and Karl Kapp was speaking and I went in, wasted some more time not writing I thought. But then I went in and got exactly what I needed and busted out that whole article that afternoon.

Brian Washburn: And Kassy, before we go, any shameless plugs that you have for us?

Kassy LaBorie: Yes, thank you. I know that you mentioned my books in the beginning of our time together today and that 2nd book on Producing Virtual Training, Meetings and Webinars is coming out at the end of December. So it'll be "hot off the presses" right around the new year. And then one other thing that I'm working on, I have been posting tips about the virtual training hero - she's my superhero -

Brian Washburn: Yep, yep.

Kassy LaBorie: -which I believe all of us trainers are superheroes, as you know, and I am currently in early stages of figuring out how to turn all of those into a downloadable - into an e-book, that I'll publish myself.

Brian Washburn: And they're really neat. They're - so if you follow Kassy on LinkedIn she posts very regularly with these hero tips.

Kassy LaBorie: I love it. I can't wait to share it and just get it all in one place because I keep sharing a tip or two a week and then it's just turned into - I'm getting close to 50 of them and I think they all need to be in one place, so I can go back and enjoy them. I'm just figuring that out. So stay tuned for more, from the virtual training hero.

Brian Washburn: Kassy, thank you so much for joining us, and thank you all for listening to another episode of Train Like You Listen. If you would like to subscribe you can do so on iTunes, on iHeartRadio, on Spotify, anywhere where you get your podcasts. And if you like what you hear, go ahead and give us a rating because that's how people find out about us. Until next time, happy training everyone.
This week's podcast is sponsored by Soapbox. Sign up today for a free demo.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Virtual Training Lessons Learned - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kassy LaBorie is one of the early adopters for virtual tools like Zoom, Teams, etc... as a remote training tool. On this week's Train Like You Listen podcast, Kassy joins us to share some insights on virtual instructor-led training after a year where many of us were unexpectedly thrust into adopting these tools.

# data[].attributes.body
You can use this resource to set up a free consultation to develop your skills to design engaging training. They have in person and virtual training options.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Endurance Learning: Instructional Design Firm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Endurance Learning is a full service instructional design firm that will help you create elearning and classroom training that will lead to results.

# data[].attributes.body
To create better flip charts, choose the best markers (such as Mr. Sketch), prepare in advance, write big and use keywords, alternate colors for clarity, incorporate imagery, use traceable objects for neat drawings, ask for help if needed, write talking points in pencil for reference, and consider making dynamic flip charts with hidden elements. These tips can enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of your flip charts during presentations and training sessions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Tips for Better Flip Charts - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the many advantages that flipcharting holds over PowerPoint is that when a slide is advanced, it’s gone... but your flipcharts can hang on the wall for as long as you need them to!

# data[].attributes.body
Preferring flipcharts over PowerPoint in training sessions allows for continuous reference to information, benefits from their dynamic nature, conveys a personal touch, and enables everyone in the room to contribute and own the presentation. Flipcharts are emphasized for their engagement and role in creating a sense of partnership during training sessions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Flipchart vs. PowerPoint: A Visual Aid Royal Rumble - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Over the past year, I've delivered a series of train-the-trainer sessions to various groups of non-training professionals. I intentionally designed these

# data[].attributes.body
Flipcharts can be helpful in training sessions if used correctly. Here are some tips:

Place the flipchart where everyone can see.

Make sure you have enough pages and working pens.

Write titles and content in advance.

Use bullet points and colors for lists.

Keep text size readable.

Avoid writing too much information.

Have quality markers available.

Use artistic skills if you have them.

Avoid common flipchart mistakes.

Incorporate fun and interactive exercises in training sessions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Flipcharts can be wonderful aids for trainers but they can also be a delegate's worst nightmare. You need to make sure you use them in the right way, so here are our top tips to up your flipchart game:

Before the training begins

Place the flipchart where all delegates can see. Check for yourself whether delegates at the back can actually read it as there is nothing more frustrating than an exercise conducted via a flipchart and only two thirds of the room can see enough to participate.

Check you have enough pages for the training session you are going to deliver and that the last person to use it hasn't left all their scribbling across every page.

Check that your flipchart pens actually write and are not about to dry up. It can also help to have a good selection of colours.

Prepare titles/content on the flip chart pages in advance of the training beginning. If it helps, also write small prompts in pencil on each page. You will be able to see and read these, but none of your delegates will.

When delivering the training

Ensure each flipchart you create has a title - bordered or underlined.

Use bullet points when creating a list.

Use at least two colours but avoid writing in red (use it for underlining and emphasis only).

Characters should be approximately 10cm high.

Avoid writing full sentences or too much information.

Have a (secret) supply of quality marker pens.

If you are artistic - use this skill.

Never talk to the flipchart.

If your handwriting is poor - ask for a volunteer and get a delegate to write on the flipchart.

Put poor spelling down to 'flipchart dyslexia' - a genuine condition!

Flipchart horrors to avoid!

Dragging the flipchart to bring it closer to delegates during an exciting discussion but dragging causes the legs to fall off.

Leaning on the flipchart to make your point and then knocking the whole thing over.

Nominating a delegate to write on the flipchart only to discover they can't spell or you can't read their writing. Never nominate anyone to write on the flipchart
for you. Ask for volunteers.

We normally include one or two flipchart exercises in our training materials - fun, interactive exercises that get delegates working together. We hope these top tips will give you some ideas for using flipcharts in your own training sessions.

If you would like to save time and money creating training courses or paying for external companies to deliver, we offer training materials that are written for managers, trainers (independent or in-house) or international companies. All our training materials are engaging, interactive and really easy to pick up and deliver. View the full range of courses:

New to Training Wizard?

New Training Wizard customers can choose any one-hour module and pay just £5+VAT. Contact us for the discount code.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top Tips on Effectively Using Flipcharts in Training Sessions - Training Wizard

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Flipcharts can be wonderful aids for trainers but they can also be a delegate's worst nightmare. You need to make sure you use them in the right way in training sessions, so here are our top tips to up your flipchart game.

# data[].attributes.body
In virtual meetings and webinars, using Google documents instead of slides can be a more efficient and engaging way to share information. Google Drive tools like Docs and Sheets are quick to set up and share, allow for real-time collaboration, and eliminate the need for transcription after the meeting. Participants can co-create content, contribute thoughts and comments simultaneously, and access the shared document easily. To ensure full participation, it's important to adjust sharing settings so that all participants can edit the document.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3 Reasons to Swap Out Your Slides for a Google Doc in Your Next Webinar - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You need slides to keep virtual audiences engaged in webinars and web-based meetings. It's a fact. Or is it?

# data[].attributes.body
The use of collaborative Google Docs during lectures has transformed the traditional note-taking process in classrooms. Students can now interact in real-time, ask questions, and clarify points as they take notes together, creating an interactive study group atmosphere during the lecture. This approach can be applied in training sessions as well, using the Anchor, Content, Application, Future Use model with ground rules and group assignments for effective results. By incorporating interactive lectures with shared Google Docs, participants can actively engage with the content and collaborate on note-taking, making it a valuable tool for content-heavy training sessions such as technical or procedural training.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Interactive Lectures using Google Docs - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Technology has come a long way since I was in college. When I attended class, I scribbled poorly written notes in my spiral notebook which I later compared

# data[].attributes.body
A collection of job aids has been put together for easy access, including information on platform features, integrating features with activities, aligning activities with objectives, preparing for sessions, and troubleshooting common issues. The webinars covered a variety of platforms and activities to help make virtual training more effective and engaging.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Job Aids to Help with Your Next Virtual Session - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're putting together virtual training or education sessions, these 5 job aids could prove extremely helpful.

# data[].attributes.body
Lauren shares her journey of engaging with diverse perspectives on Twitter and emphasizes the importance of using the digital space to listen, share stories, and create a space for constructive dialogue. She offers advice on how individuals can navigate social media to learn from others and foster meaningful interactions. The episode concludes with a speed round of questions and a plug for Lauren's books on digital spaces. Listeners are encouraged to check out the podcast transcript and subscribe for future episodes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is it possible to learn from other people via social media? - Endurance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It’s pretty easy to find thought leaders in our field by scrolling through Twitter or LinkedIn. Lately, it seems like people are increasingly wanting to be heard, and doing a lot less hearing. This week’s podcast guest, Lauren Hug, has some thoughts about this.

# data[].attributes.body
Texting helps improve communication and efficiency in training. By sending study materials, reminders, and relevant information via SMS, you can save time during onboarding and keep your team engaged. Texting also encourages collaboration and feedback, making it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity in the workplace.

# data[].attributes.body
The article discusses the benefits of using WhatsApp for training sessions, such as simplicity, effective communication, sharing files, and creating WhatsApp groups. It provides steps on how to effectively utilize WhatsApp for training, including creating a WhatsApp group, adding trainees, defining group roles, creating a training schedule, sharing training resources, using various training methods, and responding to queries from trainees.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Online training is now a thing. The pandemic era has changed how people interact. Physical meetups have been replaced with online platforms that allow people to interact remotely.

Social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, facilitate online training by offering a space where people can come together and communicate via chat or calls.
So, how can you utilize WhatsApp for training? This guide discusses why using WhatsApp for training is a great idea. It also covers the steps for using WhatsApp for training. Take a look!
Why Use WhatsApp for Training?

WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform, but you can still use it for your training sessions.

When you have people located in different places, you can link them using a WhatsApp group.

Besides, various benefits come with using WhatsApp for training.

Benefit #1: Simplicity

You don't require any training to know how to use WhatsApp.

Its interface is friendly, and anyone can quickly get comfortable using WhatsApp and handling it.

Therefore, you can use WhatsApp to train anyone as they can work their way around WhatsApp.

Benefit #2: Effective Communication

When using WhatsApp for communication, you can choose between chats or calls. Besides, WhatsApp allows the creation of a WhatsApp group where members can interact on one platform. Hence, you can conveniently train your team in one group.

Moreover, when new messages get shared on the group, you will receive a notification, ensuring you can respond to your team at any moment.

Benefit #3: Sharing Files

As a trainer, WhatsApp supports your training by allowing sharing of multimedia files.

You can share documents, videos, audio, images, etc.

That way, you can comfortably share resources in different formats with your team.

Benefit #4: WhatsApp Groups

You can quickly create a WhatsApp group and add members when training people.

WhatsApp groups allow everyone in the group to communicate, depending on the WhatsApp rules that you will create.

Besides, you can restrict who gets added to the group and what members can edit.

That way, you get a way to control your training sessions.

How To Use WhatsApp for Training

Now that you understand why WhatsApp is an excellent platform for training, how then do you use WhatsApp to support your training?
Follow these steps.
Step #1: Create a WhatsApp Group

When preparing to offer training on WhatsApp, you need a WhatsApp group where all the trainees meet. A WhatsApp group offers a common communication platform.
Here's how to create a WhatsApp training group:

1. Open the WhatsApp application.

2. Click the message icon at the bottom.

3. Click the "New Group" option.

4. Add details for your group, including the title and description.

5. Select one person from your WhatsApp contacts to add them to the group.

6. Complete creating your WhatsApp.

Step #2: Add Your Trainees

With your WhatsApp training group created, add members, the trainees for your training program.

You can share the group invite link or manually add the specific person you want to join.

Step #3: Define the Group Roles

A WhatsApp group should have rules. So, open your group profile, and under the description, add the rules for your training group.

Anyone viewing the group profile will see the rules you've added in the description section.

Still, you can draft a message defining the rules, such as not sharing spamming links in the group.

Then, share the group rules as a message for all members to note the rules and consequences they face when they violate them.

Step #4: Create a Training Schedule

A training schedule is a must-have thing.
The schedule defines how long your training will last, the milestones, and the training time.
For instance, if you have a two-week training program, create a schedule in the form of text specifying the training hours per day and the specific time for the training.

Each member can comfortably manage their time to ensure they don't miss out on the training.

Step #5: Share Training Resources

It's wise to share the training resources in advance so the trainees can know what the training is about and the topics you will cover during the training period.

You can share links, documents, videos, etc. anything shared on the group is visible and accessible to every member.

Step #6: Combine Different Training Methods

When ready and in line with your training schedule, start your training.

You can combine a video call if you have a few members. Alternatively, you can prepare a voice note in advance or record a video about a given topic, then share it with the group.

Still, you can type the concept you want to explain in advance and post it to the group when the training time starts. That way, members can view and engage with the content you share.

You can request trainees to send voice notes on anything they need clarification about.

Step #7: Respond to Queries

When someone posts a question on the WhatsApp group, take time to respond to them on the group.

That way, anyone with the same issue will see your response.

Conclusion

WhatsApp is an excellent messaging platform that you can also use to train your team.

This guide presents the steps for using WhatsApp for training.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Use WhatsApp for Training | ITGeared

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to learn how to use WhatsApp for training? Look no further! This article will explain everything you need to know.