Written by: Marie Genevieve Pawlak, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Virtual training has become a crucial component of professional development in today's world. Because of the growth of remote work, more companies are turning to virtual training programs to keep their employees engaged and up-to-date with the latest skills and knowledge. However, keeping participants engaged in a virtual setting can be challenging, which is where the power of presenter styles comes in. Choosing the right presenter style for your virtual training program can create a dynamic and practical learning experience that will keep your participants engaged and motivated. This article will explore the different presenter styles and their strengths and challenges, helping you choose the right style for your virtual training program.
Ah, virtual training. It's like trying to keep a cat interested in a laser pointer for more than five seconds. But fear not, my fellow training enthusiasts, because the power of presenter styles is here to save the day!
We've got the Lecturer, who's like that one friend who talks for hours without letting you get a word in. The Comedian, who's like that one friend who's hilarious but also distracting as heck. The Facilitator who's like a traffic cop trying to prevent a pile-up of confusion. The Storyteller, who's like a bard weaving a tale so engaging you forget you're learning something. And the Coach, who's like a personal trainer for your brain.
But let's not forget the other styles. The Demonstration Expert, who's like a magician showing you how to pull a rabbit out of a hat (or a solution out of a problem). The Collaborator who's like a teammate working with you to find the best path forward. And the Interactive Expert (Gamifier) who's like a game show host making learning feel like a fun and rewarding challenge.
Each style has its strengths and challenges, so choose wisely. Remember, the goal is to keep participants engaged and excited to learn. That's where the power of presenter styles comes in.
Let us dive into each of the eight presenter styles:
The Lecturer
A training session with a lecturer is like a one-way street – the presenter does all the talking, and the participants listen. While lectures have their place in certain types of training, they are not the most effective way to engage participants in a virtual setting. Lecturers can be helpful in delivering information quickly, but they may not encourage active participation or critical thinking. Participants may become disengaged if the lecture is too long or the presenter is not dynamic enough.
The Comedian
A training session with a comedian as the presenter would be like a night out at a comedy club. Not only would you learn something new, but you'd also be entertained along the way. However, there is a risk that the humor may overshadow the substance of the training, and participants may not take the content seriously.
The Facilitator
A facilitator is like a traffic cop, directing the flow of conversation and keeping everyone on track. In a virtual training setting, a facilitator can help ensure everyone is engaged and the session stays on topic. Facilitators can create a collaborative learning environment where participants can share ideas and learn from each other. Participants may need to be more comfortable sharing their thoughts or may dominate the conversation, leading to an imbalanced learning experience.
The Storyteller
A presenter skilled at storytelling can make even the driest topic come alive. By weaving in personal anecdotes and real-world examples, a storyteller can help participants connect with the material in a meaningful way. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for engaging participants emotionally and intellectually. The storytelling may distract from the learning objectives if not used appropriately.
The Coach
A coach is like a personal trainer for your brain. In virtual training, a coach can provide one-on-one feedback and help participants apply what they've learned to their work environment. Coaches can provide personalized attention and support, assisting participants to achieve their goals and progress toward their professional development. Providing one-on-one feedback to all participants may not be feasible in more extensive training programs.
The Demonstrator
A presenter demonstrating how to perform a task or use a tool can be very effective in a virtual training program. By showing participants how to do something step-by-step, the demonstrator can help them understand the material in a hands-on way. Participants may need access to the necessary tools or resources to perform the demonstration.
The Collaborator
A presenter who collaborates with participants to solve problems or complete activities can create a highly engaging virtual training program. By working together, participants can learn from each other and practically apply the material. Participants may not be comfortable working in a group or may not be able to collaborate effectively due to technical issues.
The Gamifier
A presenter who uses gamification techniques, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, can create a fun and engaging virtual training program. By turning learning into a game, participants can be motivated to learn more and compete with each other in a friendly way. The gamification may distract from the learning objectives if not used appropriately.
Ah, the presenter styles. It's like trying to choose the perfect superhero for the job - each one has its strengths and weaknesses, and you have to pick the right one for the mission. The key is to select a presenter style that aligns with your learning objectives and engages your participants meaningfully. And don't be afraid to mix and match! We recommend using your toolkit's presenter styles to create a dynamic and effective training program. Again, it's like assembling the Avengers – you want to have all the right heroes on your team to save the day.
Remember, all presenter styles in training programs are like having your very own superpower toolkit. You can keep your participants engaged, motivated, and inspired with the right style (aka Tool). So go forth, my fellow trainer enthusiasts, and choose your power style wisely. Your participants (and your learning objectives) will thank you.
Disclaimer: All formats may not be suitable for all types of content, or learners choose wisely.
We know you're excited to try out all these fantastic presenter styles, but let's face it, not every style is one-size-fits-all. Just like how not everyone looks good in a fedora (except Indiana Jones), not every format may be suitable for all types of content or learners. So, before you unleash your inner Steve Jobs or Ali Wong, consider important factors such as the subject matter, learning objectives, audience, and overall goals of your training program. Trust us; your learners will thank you for it!
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Marie Genevieve Pawlak is the founder of Prime Alchemy, a leading expert in game-based learning and organizational health, which provides people with the tools they need to find value and purpose in their work. The Prime Alchemy team works to develop programs that really engage people. Through play. Game-based programs use your own tasks and projects, so you never get behind schedule. Marie believes in organizational health as a way to build a better workplace. Healthy organizations outperform their competitors, are free of politics, have higher transparency, and encourage star performers to stay. Prime Alchemy is a division of Planning101 Group Corp.
