What Makes a Great Producer? |
Many organizations now realize that having a skilled producer during virtual training makes a huge difference to the quality of the experience. As our clients have pivoted to virtual learning this past year, I've been asking myself what makes a great producer. I think there are several elements that set excellent producers apart from their lackluster colleagues. |
First, they are knowledgeable. They know the web conferencing platform inside and out. In fact, they might know multiple platforms inside and out. They are familiar with the most common technical glitches that occur, whether those are a result of presenters’ mistakes, participants’ connection challenges, or software bugs. They keep abreast of the latest software improvements and ensure that all presenters, producers, and participants download the most recent upgrades. That knowledge allows them to troubleshoot calmly when a problem occurs.
Second, they are well prepared. They strive to conduct rehearsals or dry runs before the web event. They keep detailed notes about the presenter’s flow and know what they will be doing in each moment to support the learning process. They may switch layouts, open and close polls, clear chat pods, annotate on a slide during a discussion, or sort people into breakout rooms. They create a seamless experience working in tandem with the virtual trainer. Gone are the days when a producer just opened up the meeting, clicked “record,” and multitasked in the background throughout the event.
Third, they are unflappable. It is no fun when the technology gremlins pull a surprise technical glitch. Instead of getting irritated or panicked, a great producer maintains their poise and brings a sense of curiosity and humor to the situation. Their mindset is always, “This is a solvable problem. And I know how to solve it.” This can-do attitude creates confidence and trust for everyone.
Finally, they are fast and focused. By fast, I mean they think of alternatives rapidly. They recognize that people get bored watching a producer methodically work through a technical issue as the clock ticks away. They pivot rapidly to the best solution for the moment. By focused, I mean they are intent on creating the best learning experience for participants as possible. That might mean that they help the trainer pivot to an alternative modality within or outside the web conferencing platform if they run into a technical challenge.
A great producer partnered with a skilled facilitator will deliver rock-solid virtual learning experiences.
If you would like to enhance your virtual classroom sessions, consider enlisting NetSpeed Learning’s master producers for your learning events. Our producers are knowledgeable, well-prepared, unflappable, fast, and focused. Or let us train your producers in our Virtual Producer course.
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Cynthia Clay
President/CEO
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Virtual and Hybrid Team Development
As the pandemic drags on and variants emerge, many organizations like yours are putting off the call to return to the physical workspace. Managers are facing the same kinds of issues that have always been challenging—increasing engagement and loyalty, hanging onto to great employees, handling conflicts and disagreements, and keeping everyone collaborating effectively on projects—while trying to navigate the physical and virtual workplace.
Some organizations are continuing to work in 100% virtual work environments; others are experimenting with hybrid workplaces, often allowing employees the option to choose which days to come into the office.
It has never been more important and more difficult to be a great leader. We developed the Virtual Leader program to address any skill gaps that arise when managers find themselves leading remote and hybrid teams. We frequently customize the delivery of program to meet the unique needs of our clients. We would love to be of service to your organization as you tackle the ongoing issues arising from these demands.
In January and February 2022, we are offering the Virtual Leader program as a public course. Designed for managers of hybrid teams, the Virtual Leader program helps leaders increase their virtual presence, build connection, strengthen engagement, reduce confusion, increase collaboration, and create cultures of celebration.
Register by December 20, 2021 to receive a bonus workshop on meeting change with resilience. The complete program price is $1100 per person, with volume discounts available for three or more registrations from your organization. (We can also present a customized version of this program for your company. Contact me at cclay@netspeedlearning.com to schedule.)
We hope you can join us!
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Time to Invest in Talent Development for 2022 |
What a year it’s been as organizations have had to respond resiliently to a host of changing conditions in 2021. As you set your sights on 2022, it may be just the right time to invest in training and talent development for the coming year. We’d love to be your partner as you master the challenges of the hybrid and virtual workplace. We are offering a 15% discount on all NetSpeed Learning’s programs and services.* Learn more.
* The fine print: Total purchase must exceed $15,000 after discount and must be paid in full by December 20, 2021 (10% discount if payment is received by January 10, 2022).
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Explore something new with one of our engaging and interactive webinars or public courses. |
Begin 2022 With Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification (VFTC)
Now is the time, more than ever before, to go virtual!
This popular course has received rave reviews from participants as it provides a deep-dive into best practices for virtual facilitation and design.
Now it's your turn to rock the virtual classroom! The January/February course opens on January 13th with the first webinar on January 20th.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT!
Register for the January/February course and pay by December 15th to receive a $350 discount. Use the promo code "January" at registration.
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Become a Jedi Master: Producing Webinars in the Virtual Classroom
In the virtual classroom, what can go wrong will go wrong. What if you responded to those traumatic moments with such finesse that participants not only stayed through your presentation but marveled at your skills? You don’t have to wield a light saber to effectively run a virtual classroom event. Join Cynthia Clay and Matt Boblett in this one-hour webinar to explore the tips and tricks of savvy webinar presenters and producers, otherwise known as experienced Jedi Masters!
Wed., December 15th
1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT
Complimentary
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Virtual Producer Course
Every virtual facilitator needs a capable virtual training producer. A strong producer frees the facilitator to focus on the learners' experience, not the technology. If you want to develop the skills of your own virtual classroom producers, check out our Virtual Producer Course.
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Virtual Production Services
NetSpeed Learning offers trained producers ready to support your facilitators and trainers in delivering training events online. Our Virtual Producers can help with the setup and technical management of online events, and even coach speakers to present powerfully in the digital space. Virtual Producers ensure that events run as smoothly as possible with limited disruption due to technical issues.
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