Six Theater Techniques
to Enhance
Virtual Learning
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
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Housekeeping
• Chat: Find the chat window
• Reactions: Green check and red X
• Chat Leo Brodie to troubleshoot
technical issues
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Introduction
• Cynthia Clay, CEO, NetSpeed Learning
• Author of Great Webinars: Interactive Learning
that is Captivating, Informative, and Fun
• Work with our clients to build thriving virtual
workplaces, better virtual leaders, and stellar
virtual learning
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions 3
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Objectives
•Apply six techniques used by
theater professionals
•Consistently engage and
connect with your audience
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
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How do you “set the stage” for a successful virtual
training delivery?
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Set the Stage
• Physical Appearance
• Lighting
• Background
• Web Camera
• Monitors and Display
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 9
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Get Off Book
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What goes wrong when the facilitator
is tied to their notes?
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Benefits of Being
“Off Book”
• Increased confidence
• Greater connection with
participants
• Better listening and probing
• More engaged learners
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 13
netspeedlearning.com
It’s Always the First Time
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It’s Always the First Time
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What will you gain if you facilitate a session as
if it’s the first time you’ve ever trained it?
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Gains
• Fully present
• Focused on this moment
• Curious and open
• Not referencing past deliveries
• Not commenting on people’s
responses from before
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 17
netspeedlearning.com
Doublecheck your Props
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Doublecheck
your Props
©
2022
Clay
&
Associates
Inc./NetSpeed
Learning
What technical
and physical
course assets are
on your “prop”
list?
19
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netspeedlearning.com
Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 20
netspeedlearning.com
Practice, Practice,
Practice
What does a dry run or
rehearsal need to
include?
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Practice, Practice, Practice
• Walk through the activities
• Open and close polls (display results)
• Turn on and off annotation tools
• Test video and audio
• Check web cam settings
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Practice, Practice, Practice (more)
• Check participant view
• Set up your display (multiple monitors)
• Set up and run breakout rooms
• Run through a checklist with a producer
• Practice “passing the baton”
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 24
netspeedlearning.com
The Show Must Go On!
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The Show Must
Go On!
• Avoid cancelling and
rescheduling
• Activate your backup plan
• Switch platforms
• Focus on the content and
the learning
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 26
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Six Theater Techniques
Set the Stage
Get Off Book
It’s Always the First Time
Doublecheck your Props
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Show Must Go On!
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning 27
netspeedlearning.com
Take Action
What is one thing
you intend to do
now to enhance
your virtual
training sessions?
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Cynthia Clay
NetSpeed Learning
206-517-5271
info@netspeedlearning.com
© 2022 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions 29
Thank you!

Six Theater Techniques to Enhance Virtual Learning.pptx