{"id":16271,"date":"2020-04-13T18:46:05","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T22:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opsweb.wpengine.com\/?p=16271"},"modified":"2024-01-08T11:29:42","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T16:29:42","slug":"three-tips-to-help-you-host-an-engaging-program-for-your-virtual-audience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourpublicservice.org\/blog\/three-tips-to-help-you-host-an-engaging-program-for-your-virtual-audience\/","title":{"rendered":"Three tips to help you host engaging virtual programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During the past few weeks, the federal government has transitioned more employees to telework. These workers are now conducting traditional business with the help of technology that is both innovative and unfamiliar. Many agencies may find themselves offering and hosting their programs and events virtually for the first time. The Partnership has significant experience leading virtual programs<\/a>, so we\u2019re sharing three tips to help you better virtually connect with your audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #1: Engage with your audience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you prepare to host webinars and other virtual programs, put yourself in the shoes of your audience members and think about how you can enhance your participants\u2019 experience and engagement. Consider creating a poll so your audience can instantly share opinions, ask open-ended questions that allow the audience to thoughtfully respond, and form breakout discussions and group participants together. You can also consider directly calling on people to share their thoughts, but first be sure that they are comfortable doing so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that virtual programs are most effective when they\nare framed as conversations rather than lectures. Both you and your audience will\nbenefit more from the session by learning and collaborating with one another\nthrough an open dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #2: Understand the tools at your disposal <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of programs that can help you create engaging, interactive experiences with your audiences. Programs like Google Hangouts<\/a>, WebEx<\/a> and Adobe Connect<\/a> each have different features, and you should learn about each to understand their capabilities and limitations. Whichever virtual platform you\u2019re using, explore everything it has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need help, consider working with an expert like your\ngroup\u2019s IT specialist. Communicate early and often with them and keep a log of\nongoing questions to ask as you test out and customize your tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tools can create innovative and exciting content for your participants, so be sure to use them for all they can do and your audience will already be looking forward to your next virtual program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #3: Communicate, communicate, communicate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The more technology you use, the more technical difficulties\nbecome inevitable, so be sure to communicate the problem and engage your audience\nby letting them know the steps you are taking to fix it. Being transparent with\nyour audience: <\/p>\n\n\n\n