How to make corporate learning more engaging and more human

The design of virtual learning experience is crucial to make sure people are learning and connecting with their peers on a human level. 

Here are 8 tips to make corporate learning more engaging and interactive for your team:

1. Ask simple, no-pressure questions your team can respond to in the chat or via the annotation tool.

Annotation is a great way to get everyone involved quickly at once! It’s also a great way to do a pulse check and confirm understanding.

2. Encourage your audience to chime in by unmuting their mics.

Having everyone unmuted is a great way to foster dialogue and conversation instead of listening to just one person speak. If you have a large group and you are worried about hearing “crickets,” try calling on a group of four people. 

3. Ask attendees their “why” and discuss objectives before jumping into the “what” and the “how.”

Respond to their answers, ask other folks what they think of the response and don’t be afraid to improvise and take the conversation where it needs to go.

4. Allow time for the audience to reflect and internalize what was said.

Count to ten after you ask a question to create adequate “wait time.” Everyone is moving a mile a minute, so building in time for reflection is appreciated.

5. Use polls to add variety to engagement from your audience.

Ask one or two questions via polls to collect answers people may not share in the chat if they want to remain anonymous. Be ready for talking points no matter where the data takes you!

6. Incorporate breakout groups to facilitate intimate discussions.

Employees can learn about each other in smaller group settings. But set your breakout groups up properly. If an employee hears, “You will be in the breakout room for 25 minutes, and we want you to share your life story...” you may see some folks drop!

7. Show short, engaging (and emotional!) video clips to keep modalities varied and to keep people curious and wanting more.

Without causing too many technical challenges, videos change the voice in the room and keep people tuned in. Avoid video clips longer than five minutes and make sure your audio is set up properly and your internet connection is strong.

8. Don’t be afraid to add humor.

The goal is always to be authentic. You don’t need to force the humor, but if there are subtle ways to incorporate your personality into the presentation, you’ll come off as more human and more relatable.

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