Remote setting has established itself in modern training and workshop concepts, especially in recent times. The many advantages have become clear. At the same time, digital interaction presents both facilitators and participants with new challenges.
Firstly, it is obvious that the technical requirements are at the centre of attention when conducting remote settings.
How often have some people experienced that the sound and/or image quality was impaired by an unstable internet connection or poor quality basic technical equipment?
According to our years of experience in coaching change, the understanding and attention of our counterpart suffers most from poor sound quality. If the content is missing or distorted due to choppy speech, hissing, background noise or echo, comprehensibility suffers enormously. This doesn't have to be the case, as additional equipment such as an extra microphone or headset can make speech much clearer and easier to understand.
Of course, the image also plays a central role in digital communication. Especially if it is completely omitted. In meetings, training sessions or presentations, it can often be observed that participants gradually switch off the cameras or do not switch them on at all. This also means that important non-verbal information such as gestures, facial expressions and focussed eye contact is lost, making communication more difficult for more than just the speaker. The listeners are more likely to be tempted to digress by answering emails, for example. Focus and attention are lost on both sides.
For this reason, it has largely become established to constantly switch on the cameras as a basic setting and to be aware of how eye contact can be established in remote settings.
This not only keeps the participants' attention, but also creates a connection between the individual participants.
There is now a wide range of technical tools and setting options. At Coaching Change, we have found that a professional live online presence with high visual and acoustic quality and interactive co-design is very possible.
As there are so many tools available, it is essential that the tools to be used are agreed with the participants in advance and that a time buffer is planned for a short introduction if necessary.
Speaking of a time buffer: when designing and organising the live online format, we recommend that Coaching Change incorporates several short breaks. For all-day formats, it is helpful to plan a longer lunch break than in face-to-face formats. The restricted movement of the whole body due to prolonged sitting and the constant gaze at the glowing screen tire participants more quickly.
At the same time, we manage to stream an entire weekend of our favourite series. Why is that? We find the content interesting, varied camera angles, an escalating dramaturgy, different characters. All of this helps to keep our attention and make us lose track of time. This is exactly what happens in live online formats, which are perceived as entertaining, exciting and amusing.
You are the person who skilfully combines the technology with your positive attitude and your confidence in front of the camera for the participants. This is how you create a live online format that makes a noticeable difference.
