• What would you do with Rachel's feedback?
• Or, what would you change about this first draft of a my new escape game?

You'll find me on LinkedIn, Instagram (@theconnectioncatalysts) and YouTube (@theconnectioncatalysts) sharing tips and ideas on how to connect with nature to gain a sense of calm, clarity and connection with yourself and others.

It is amazing what presence and calmness can do for productivity!

This is a game changer for me as I tend to be a person who gets passionate about what I am sharing! I used to often run out of breath or skip over words, just not fully pronouncing them.

Warming up the body, specifically to support the voice, has the same effect when we warm up our legs, arms, and backs before and after a workout. It smooths things out and helps to prepare the physical side of things to better support the mental delivery required to engage an audience.

I learned to implement this daily practice during my GRAD work at Heroic Public Speaking this year. The exercises shared here are from the wonderful people who own and run HPS, Michael and Amy Port.

https://heroicpublicspeaking.com/

If you know me you know that I love the L&D community and always looking for a way to give back and help those who are in need.

So, for anyone who is job hunting or transitioning from corporate or higher ed to freelance and are working on their portfolio, I’d like to offer my services on a no-charge basis to provide a few minutes of audio narration for your eLearning portfolio piece to help you out. We’re talking around 2-3 minutes of finished audio.

Please reach out to me to discuss this further at david@davidgilbertvoiceover.com.

Anything else I can do to help please let me know.

The power was out and it was at night.

But the cars provided the light they needed!

Talk about a back up plan.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Pattie!

Thanks for the brainstorm energy!!

And for the all the smiles.

THANK YOU!

Advanced features?

Expert?

Beyond the basics?

It’s well past March of 2020 and by now most of the world has at least basic knowledge and skills on how to run and be part of an online meeting. As such, many of us are now seeking ways to level-up, do more, elevate, propel, or become... "advanced!"

🤔But what is that?

🤷🏻‍♀️What does it look like, sound like, act like, or … feel like?

❔Is it about using new technology and features or... is it something else?

I have a few ideas and if you know me, you know I’m interested in yours! I’ll share with you what I think and what I am doing about it.

❓How do you define "advanced" when it comes to virtual training?

Do you need a keynote speaker for your next event? Let's talk!!

If that is unfamiliar to you, have a read here to learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PechaKucha

Have you ever presented with such strict rules or in this way?

I learned a lot doing this event and want to share what I did, how I prepared, and most importantly, what I have learned from it!

Let’s discuss!

I live in Colorado with my husband and my 7 year old son.

I'm always looking to connect with new people and love showing others that virutal meetings and trainings can be engaging!

You can learn more about me at: https://www.willetcoaching.com/about

I'm happy to connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssawillet/

• Loki is Every Learner

• Encanto and L&D

• And more!

LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifyouaskbetty/

I have a BS degree in Industrial Technology - CAD Design. I worked professionally for 18 years then changed my path completely to Customer Service for 10+ years. Seven years ago, I was offered this training gig. It gave me the opportunity to combine my original love of drafting and my ability to talk to anyone into a way to help others achieve their best in their career with this specific company.

I live in SE Missouri but train globally via an online platform or via MS Teams. It is fun and interesting!

I am always interested in how to present the techy type info in a more interesting way to help people learn more easily.

You can find me here: www.linkedin.com/in/rmcfarland-543442220

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kassylaborie_generativeai-virtualtraining-virtualfacilitation-activity-7208489996830277632-YwiI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

🦸‍♂️ Are you a consultant with super-powered solutions? 🦸‍♀️ Do you have a project that's saving the day for your clients? Whether it's an innovative service, a groundbreaking product, or a transformative initiative, we want to hear about it!

✨ Share your latest and greatest endeavors with our virtual training hero community! Post a link below to your projects, services, or products that are making waves in the Learning & Development universe. Let’s celebrate your heroic efforts and give others the chance to join your mission! ✨

🦸‍♀️ Unleash your superpowers! 🦸‍♂️ Showcase your epic work! 🚀 Together, we’ll conquer new heights in L&D!

🔗 Drop your links and let’s inspire each other!

Spark Your Magic is a 90-day program that helps you find your path to a more present and connected life, ultimately sparking your magic once again

This 90-day experience starts the week of September 3 with a group call to set intentions and focus for the program. It’s a great opportunity for someone who might need:

· Support getting out of a creative rut or tapping into their inspiration

· Help slowing down so they don’t burn out 

· A greater sense of calm and connection with themselves but can't find the right practices 

The week of September 15 is our 3-day immersive at The Lodge at Woodloch in the Hawley, PA (Poconos). It’s a small luxury resort nestled in the woods with private rooms, delicious meals and plenty of space to roam. Our time there will be focused on finding activities, rituals, routines that you can use to support your program goal. You’ll have plenty of group time, one-on-one time with Chris and solo time to recharge. 

The remaining time in the program will be spent experimenting with what you learned at the immersive to find what works for you and build a practice that helps you to be more present and connected so that you can meet your goal. 

Connect with Chris to learn more:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisacoladonato/

Chris Coladonato

Speaker, Connection Coach, Forest Bathing Guide

https://calendly.com/connectioncatalyst/connect

(Verse 1)

               Hey there, team, we’re on the scene,

               Learning together on this virtual dream.

               Log in, turn on, let's make it right,

               Just hit that button and we’ll take flight!

               (Chorus)

               Oh, you’re still on mute, so we can’t hear you,

               But we’re all here for you, it’s true!

               Just click that mic, let your voice shine through,

               In this training, we’ll make it all new!

               (Verse 2)

               Screens are flashing, notes are dashing,

               We’re here to guide, and there’s no crashing.

               Raise your hand, or drop a line,

               We’ll get through this, one step at a time!

               (Chorus)

               Oh, you’re still on mute, so we can’t hear you,

               But we’re all here for you, it’s true!

               Just click that mic, let your voice shine through,

               In this training, we’ll make it all new!

               (Bridge)

               No need to worry, no need to stress,

               We’re all in this together, we’re here to impress.

               Share your thoughts, don’t hold them back,

               We’re ready for you, and that’s a fact!

               (Chorus)

               Oh, you’re still on mute, so we can’t hear you,

               But we’re all here for you, it’s true!

               Just click that mic, let your voice shine through,

               In this training, we’ll make it all new!

               (Outro)

               So let’s get going, let’s break through,

               No more muting, just me and you.

               Together we’ll learn, together we’ll grow,

               In this virtual world, let’s make it glow!

I imagine there is room for 3-5 speakers. If we get more who want to do this, we'll do it again!

Thank you! ✨✨✨

I've added an article to this thread that I recently discovered, and am now interested in exploring a 'new-to-me' tool instead of using ChatGPT. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Add your own post to this thread (by using the + sign) so we can get a list going. You never know, it might just might be the thing another Hero 🦸🏼‍♀️ has been seeking!

See you on October 25 when we regroup and gather live online again!

Happy September! 🍂🍁🍃

-Kassy

I recently read this article and am now looking into it as an alternative to ChatGPT.

Have you used this one? If so, what do you think?

Here is the link to the tool: https://www.perplexity.ai/

• I believe

• I remember

• It taught me

• It lit a fire in me

• And I challenge you, or offer to you...
  
  Rene F. Rodriguez, THANK you.
  Be sure to follow him to learn more because he keeps on giving and it is truly amazing.
  
  And Almira Roldan, MBA, AbD - YOU are the real deal. A true friend and I love you.

The Hero Hangout is more than a meetup—it’s a monthly movement of L&D professionals who believe in the power of connection, courage, and community.

We show up for each other.

We share our tools, our stories, our challenges, and our sparks of inspiration.

We laugh, we learn, we lift—together.

🦸‍♀️ Led by Kassy LaBorie, the Original Virtual Training Hero, each session begins with a fresh, timely training topic designed to spark your creativity and elevate your practice—whether you lead learning virtually, in-person, or hybrid.

But the real magic happens when the heroes gather. You’ll connect with a generous, passionate crew of facilitators, trainers, coaches, and designers who care deeply about learning and about each other.

This is your space to be seen, heard, encouraged, and reminded that you're not alone. You’re part of a powerful community that wants you to win.

✨ Because when one hero rises, we all rise.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/02e6z-YwTJavCCTffKh8mA

Your presence and contributions make our Virtual Training Hero Hangouts so special, and I'd love to hear about your experience.

If you've found value in our time together, I would greatly appreciate a testimonial!

Whether written or as a short video, your feedback would mean the world to me and help others discover the magic of our community.

Thank you for being such an important part of this experience!

• Why would we have learners draw?

• What types of learning objectives or experiences benefit from this?

• What other ideas do you have about this technique?

Thanks to LENA for the lead!

https://senja.io/creators-cf

Let’s gather to share, learn, and give thanks!

Friday, November 22nd “Thankfulness”

Tis the season for giving thanks and in this month’s Hero Hangout let’s turn our attention  to gratitude. Thankfulness is an emotional response of appreciation for people and things in life. That’s all of YOU. Let’s celebrate and discuss ways a mindset of gratitude can impact our virtual training and remote work initiatives.

I asked ChatGPT to create an image of a virtual training superhero working remotely and expressing gratitude during an online meeting with fellow superheroes. After a few adjustments, I’m happy with this image.

Link:

https://presenter.ahaslides.com/share/would-you-rather-fall-1732228283723-apuctwo2jl

People join, you press go, and their names get "crushed" out until there is a last one standing!

It is SO FUN to be in the audience for this one - I can attest!

Check it out and at only $24 for a year - why not?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbatt/

I am doing more producing work to help set up facilitator and participants for a successful and effective training experience, and I’m amazed at all the new tools and technologies there are to make training more engaging and fun.

You can find me on linked here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josejr/.

Unpacking Classroom Feedback

Audience feedback can be a valuable tool for helping facilitators refine their classroom experience, tweak their delivery techniques, and celebrate their successes. But not all feedback is equally valuable. And some of it can actually be at odds with what's best for the overall learning experience.

Let's reflect on this post:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kassylaborie_atd24-activity-7215001732605517824-ne6w/

And this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-hope-see-you-never-amy-port-hhwfe/?trackingId=n%2FPyrj8fSkmXqwlsoGXEpg%3D%3D

What is your process?

What are your insights?

What advice can you share?

Post away! Use the +

Thanks Jason!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonadalrymple/

You took the escape game idea and ran with it - and wow, did you deliver! Seeing your version in action was such a joy, and everyone LOVED it. Your creativity, energy, and willingness to share truly inspired us.

So grateful you were willing to come back and show us how you brought the idea to life. You're proof that learning by example works - and makes it way more fun, too! 🙌🎉

✨Coming May 20 during my session at 2PM ET

📍ATD 2025 | Washington, DC

A little sparkle. A lot of power.

You won’t want to miss this drop.

Why Play "Good News, Bad News" Improv?

• Fun and Engaging:

  The game is lighthearted and engaging, making it a great way to loosen up and encourage creativity. 

• Skill Development:

  It helps players develop skills in listening, speaking, and on-the-spot storytelling. 

• Adaptability:

  The game can be adapted for different skill levels and learning objectives. 

• Practice and Learning:

  It's a practical way to practice delivering good news, bad news, and finding the balance between the two. 

• Building Confidence:

  The game can help players gain confidence in their ability to improvise and tell stories. 

• Emotional Intelligence:

  The game can be used to discuss the importance of delivering news in a way that is sensitive to the recipient. 

• The good news is that it’s going to be hot tomorrow.

• The good news is that I’ve got a new colleague.

• The good news is that there’s a big parcel for me at the post office.

• The good news is that I’m going to get a pay rise.

• The good news is that my parents are going to buy me a fancy / bougie car.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytucker/

Connect with Christy and let her know I sent ya!

https://ifyouaskbetty.com/

Follow and connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifyouaskbetty/

My article, featuring our very own hero, Susi Marsan, that I wrote for TD Magazine, June 2025.

A fast-moving discussion activity to explore facilitation preferences and practice flexible thinking. The goal is discussion and reflection, not competition or winning.

🪄 Setup Before the Session

1. Zoom Whiteboard:

   • Create one whiteboard with three sections labeled Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3.

   • Add two text boxes in each round for the “This” and “That” sides to record their group’s statement.

2. Breakout Rooms:

   • Enable Self-Select Breakouts.

   • Create two rooms per round, named after the choices (for example, Cameras On / Cameras Optional).

   • Plan to open only two rooms at a time so participants don’t return to a previous round’s room.

     • PRO TIP: create 2 rooms at a time to avoid sending them back to the same room when beginning the next round. Kassy tried making all 6 but participants were automatically taken back to their old choice from the previous round when she opened the rooms!

3. Timing:

   • Set a timer for 2 minutes per round.

   • Prepare to use the Broadcast Audio feature for reminders.

4. Roles:

   • Each breakout group selects one Scribe to type their statement on the whiteboard when they return.

🎬 During the Session

1. Introduce the Activity

• Explain that participants will choose a side, join its breakout room, discuss briefly, and prepare one short statement summarizing their reasoning.

• Emphasize that the purpose is perspective-sharing, not persuasion.

• Ask everyone to open the Breakout Panel before starting so they can move quickly.

2. Run Each Round

• Announce the “This or That” topic for the round.

• Start the 2-minute timer and open the two breakout rooms.

• After 90 seconds, send a Broadcast Audio reminder:
  “Thirty seconds left—finalize your idea and confirm your Scribe.”

• Close breakouts when time expires.

3. Capture Group Ideas

• Invite each Scribe to type their group’s statement in the whiteboard boxes.

• Give both groups brief time (about 30 seconds each) to explain their reasoning.

4. Reflect and React

• Select the two text boxes on the whiteboard and enable Voting or ask participants to use Zoom Reactions.

• Frame the vote as a quick pulse on what resonated most, not which side “won.”

• Lead a short reflection:

  • What did you notice about the discussion?

  • Did hearing another view change your thinking?

5. Repeat

• Continue through Rounds 2 and 3 using the same process.

  
  

💡 Wrap-Up

Reinforce that technology simply enables the dialogue. The learning comes from how participants collaborate, listen, and adapt in each round.

Theme: Transformation and collaboration

How it works:

• In groups, here is your prompt: “If we could brew a potion that transforms our training, what would we mix in?”

• Each ingredient must represent a behavior, skill, or mindset. (e.g., “a drop of courage,” “two spoons of patience,” “a dash of laughter.”)

• Groups name and prepare to present your potion to the class.

Insight: Encourages metaphorical thinking and shared purpose.

Bonus: We are using Padlet to create digital “cauldrons” for ingredients.

Where Human Connection Takes Center Stage

Welcome to The Spark Konnect Podcast, hosted by Kassy LaBorie — The Trainer’s Trainer and Original Virtual Training Hero. This is the place where we explore the many sparks that ignite powerful facilitation — creativity, performance, leadership, play, and beyond.

Each series dives into a new lens on facilitation, revealing the unique ways people connect, inspire, and lead. From artistry to athletics (and everything in between), we uncover how different passions and disciplines fuel unforgettable learning experiences.

Because facilitation isn’t just a profession — it’s a human art.

Are you an artist? Wanna be a guest? Fill out the form on the site.

5 spoonfuls of curiosity

a dash of realistic practice

7 Tbs of sense of humor

a handful of energy

a cup of preparation and rehearsing

3/4 of a cup of transparency

sprinkle of process time

- 2 tablets of Ginko for remembering,

- 3 shots of espresso for energy,

- lots of pinches of laughter,

- one magnifying glass for insights

- 1 drop of Visine to see the value,

- 1 spritz of Windex to clear away clutter and extra words

- 2 shots of whiskey to get them to "speak easy",

- Mjolnir (thors Hammer)to break down barriers,

- 3 drops of agave to make things sweet,

Stirred, not shaken, with the big stick of pay attention

I’m Kassy LaBorie, your guide for Hero Hangout, and I believe every facilitator, trainer, and learning leader has a superpower. Sometimes you just need the right space, tools, and people to help you remember it.

Hero Hangout is not about perfection or performance. It’s about connection, courage, curiosity, and learning together. This is a place to experiment, share real experiences, ask honest questions, and leave feeling a little more confident than when you arrived.

A bit about the human behind the cape:
I’m based in Rochester, NY, where I live with my husband Tom and our two cats, Luna and Speedy. I’m a keynote speaker, author, and Connection Strategist who helps learning professionals design experiences people actually remember, not just sit through.

If you want to learn more about my work or story, you can find me here:
👉 https://kassylaborie.com/

I also host a podcast where I explore human connection, facilitation, and what it really means to show up in a tech-filled world:
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/@kassylaborie5098

And if you’re into staying connected between missions, let’s link up on LinkedIn:
💬 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/

Thanks for being here, hero. You do not have to save the world alone. This is your hangout, your community, and your reminder that what you do truly matters. 💛

The group discussed various personal updates, including Holly's vision exam and Jeanette's work on Red Cross training materials, including the creation of virtual escape rooms for volunteers. Kassy introduced a new Zoom feature called Dynamic Gallery, which allows participants to view attendees in a TikTok-style grid format, and encouraged everyone to update their Zoom apps to access this feature. The conversation ended with participants expressing excitement for the upcoming discussion on video scripting, which Kassy invited the group to help her with.

Industry Updates and Engagement News

The group discussed various updates and shared good news, including Alex's upcoming speaking engagement at a pet sitting association conference and Silvie's creation of a 4-minute explainer video. Kassy mentioned her recent rejection from SHRM talent and encouraged others to submit proposals for DevLearn by midnight. The conversation also touched on the challenges of being labeled as a vendor in the industry.

Conference Proposals and Speaking Engagements

The group discussed conference proposals and speaking engagements, with Kassy sharing her experience as a consultant and vendor, and her plans to help her client Mina present at DevLearn. Jason shared his first speaking proposal, inspired by Kassy's previous presentation about an e-learning escape room, and expressed hope for selection. The conversation concluded with Kassy mentioning her upcoming video course project in New York City, which she needs to script and film, despite feeling some hesitation about creating video content.

Accountant Training Video Strategy

Kassy discussed creating instructional videos for Miles Masterclass, a company that serves accountants. Bridget suggested framing the videos as conversational instructional content, while Lena recommended recording a presentation and using AI to clean up the transcript. Louise asked about the audience and purpose, which Kassy clarified as being accountants interested in human connection in a digital world. Kassy expressed hesitation about the challenge of recording a formal script, but acknowledged her experience in training and facilitation could be adapted for this format.

Video Production Studio Preparation Tips

The group discussed video production tips, with Kassy sharing that she will be filming content in a Brooklyn studio at the end of April and has control over the content but will need to go through editing and approvals. Bernadette offered advice on maintaining eye contact and suggested using an app for monitoring eye contact during filming, while also recommending plenty of water for hydration before the studio session. The conversation ended with an invitation to network in breakout rooms, though participants could continue discussing video scripting if they preferred.

Engaging Online Content Strategies

Bridget and Kassy discussed strategies for creating engaging online content, emphasizing the importance of breaking down content into manageable chunks and focusing on conversational delivery. Mike expressed his fear of video presentations without audience interaction, while Kassy shared her experience of preferring video content from experts over collaborative learning sessions. The conversation concluded with a question about the progress of AI videos, which Lena was asked to address.

AI Video Creation Tools Discussion

Lena discussed her interest in using AI tools to enhance her presentations by creating dynamic video content that integrates with live narration. Participants shared various AI video creation tools, including HeyGen, Synthesia, 11 Labs, Vyond, and Animaker, with Jeanette and José highlighting their capabilities and cost implications. Lena expressed a desire for tools that can automatically generate videos based on scripts, and the group explored options for achieving cinematic effects within budget constraints. The discussion concluded with Lena explaining her current process of using custom videos and Canva for presentations, while expressing a desire to streamline this with more advanced AI tools.

Hero Hangout: Leadership and Improv

Kassy announced that the next Hero Hangout will feature a guest host, a certified improv coach, who will lead activities focused on leadership and communication. She mentioned that the community has grown organically over the years, with about 30 regular attendees out of 100 registered participants, and she enjoys keeping it casual to maintain authenticity. Bernadette offered support for video production, highlighting her team's expertise and the importance of clear scripting for polished results. Kassy shared her experience of balancing formal and informal community engagement, emphasizing the value of authentic connections over strategic formalization

Hi Hero!

Quick heads up before Friday… we have a NEW Zoom link for this week’s Hero Hangout:

👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84971015162?pwd=M68BGuB8LZD08CXxYuZWfJbfMI4fCU.1

Please be sure to use this updated link to join us.

And trust me, you’ll want to be there…

🎭 Special guest Bridget K. Brown is leading us through a simple, powerful improv experience to boost your presence, connection, and confidence… no scripts required.

📅 Friday, March 27
⏰ 11:00 AM ET

Come ready to play!

What follows is my "if you give a pig a pancake" moment!

• And that got me thinking: When are we in situations when we may feel like we are "not okay?"

• Running out of time.

• Not getting through what was planned, what we are supposed to cover.

• And that led to the different ways we take learning and content outside of the "live moment."

• And that led to wanting to brainstorm it with the HEROES!

What are your ways to rework your plans, to extend the learning experiences beyond the live moment you are together?

And, learn more about BRAD here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradmontgomery1/

Join us for the June Hero Hangout as we welcome special guest Katrina Kennedy, author of Reflection for Learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakennedytraining/

Katrina will share some of her favorite reflection strategies and practical ways to help learners pause, think, connect the dots, and actually apply what they've learned.

If you've ever wondered how to move beyond "That was a great session!" and create learning that lasts, this conversation is for you.

Come learn, connect, and leave with ideas you can use right away.

Because heroes don't just deliver learning. They help it stick.

Her book:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-That-Lasts-Reflection-Activities/dp/1960231626/

I am Becky Willis. I am a cofounder of Tractus Learning. We focus on helping SMBs with Learning strategy, tech and content.

I am the author of the ATD book 7 Steps to Better Learning Engagement Driving Business Results. The last 3 words are the key. I love to chat about Talent Development and how to move to create, find and count business results.

I am available for speaking, consulting and workshops!

I am a former business leader and learning leader - so I look on both sides.

Love this group!

Now it's your turn.

Record a short video and give us your best:

😕 "Did I leave the stove on?"

😳 "I DID leave the stove on!"

😌 "No, I turned the stove off."

Then upload your video here! Press the "+" sign above to add your post to this column/thread.

This challenge is inspired by a Spark Idea of the Month from my newsletter about advice, learning, and why some ideas stick. My daughter introduced me to the gaming term idle animation -- what a character does when they're not actively doing anything. They're not frozen. They're simply present.

As speakers, facilitators, trainers, leaders, and humans, we all have our own version of idle animation. What do we do in those in-between moments when we're not talking but people are still watching?

Let's find out. 😄

Bonus points if you make us laugh.

And if you'd like, tell us: What piece of advice has stuck with you over the years, and why?