Welcome back! I hope that you had a great weekend. Routines are key in the virtual space, and I am continuing to enjoy weekend time here at home with a more relaxed pace. With that in mind, I'll be doing readings for Effective Virtual Conversations during the weekday.

How has your week started and how many virtual conversations do you have planned this week? I hope that you will find these short 5-7 minute weekday installments useful in your work.

Here in episode 4 I cover pages 10-14 of my 2017 book, Effective Virtual Conversations.

Today I share The Driving Force Behind the Book (why I wrote it) and I share the contents of the first 5 of 12 chapters of the book.

Listen in and be sure to share this with other colleagues!

Try this, this week: Note the things that keep your virtual calls moving this week. What are the things that help accelerate the conversation?

 Jennifer Britton
Founder and CEO - Potentials Realized
Phone: 416-996-8326
Author of several books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and PlanDoTrack for Virtual and Remote Professionals (2019)
Contact us to discuss support for your remote workspace - team, individual and organizational coaching, training and virtual facilitation
Download a copy of the Remote Working Whitepaper here

Join Effective Virtual Conversations Author Jennifer Britton for her daily reading of Effective Virtual Conversations. Today she reads pages 6 - 9 -
Why is this important?
Why Virtual Learning
The Downside to Virtual Learning

Enjoy!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Founder and CEO - Potentials Realized
Phone: 416-996-8326
Author of Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack for Virtual and Remote Professionals (2019)
Contact us to discuss support for your remote workspace - team, individual and organizational coaching, training and virtual facilitation
Download a copy of the Remote Working Whitepaper here

Welcome back to day 2 of my reading of Effective Virtual Conversations - Day 2  - pages 4 to 7 of my 2017 book.  Thanks for joining us!
Tonight's reading takes us through the sub-sections of chapter 1
What do we mean by Effective or Engaging?
Why Virtual Learning Spaces are Important - The Context Today
On the Learning Front

Here's today's reading:

If you enjoyed it, be sure to pick up a Kindle copy, or hard copy of the book, at Amazon.

Looking forward to tomorrow's installment -
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Founder and CEO - Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack for Virtual and Remote Professionals (2019)
Contact us to discuss support for your remote workspace - team, individual and organizational coaching, training and virtual facilitation
Download a copy of the Remote Working Whitepaper here

As we step into the second quarter of 2020, and an unprecedented time, I wanted to embark on a new project here at the blog which I hope will be in service to the billions of people globally who have found themselves thrust into the remote work space in recent weeks and months.
My intent is to bring you a reading from Effective Virtual Conversations every night. I am going to start at the front of the book and start working my way through. Episodes are likely to be 5-10 minutes in length so I hope you will be able to find time on a regular basis to listen in.
Like this, please also share with others!  Please let them know about this creative project.

Here we go - here's evening 1, Chapter 1 of Effective Virtual Conversations, pages 1 to 4:

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Support for your remote workspace - team, individual and organizational coaching, training and facilitating
Download a copy of the Remote Working Whitepaper here

Need to move your training, meetings or other conversations to the virtual or remote space quickly, but don't know how? Need to ramp up your skills and understanding of leading and holding conversations virtually QUICKLY?

We specialize in providing support and skill development with remote work and having effective virtual conversations. Check out my 2017 book, Effective Virtual Conversations, on Amazon.

For those that need to get up to speed with virtualizing their offerings, or working with people who can't physically get together, over the next few months I'll be offering a special one-day offering of the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program each Wednesday this winter (February and March 2020). This 6.5 hour virtual learning program is geared to give you the basics on leading effective virtual conversations whether you  are leading conference calls, webinars or interactive web streaming sessions.

Usually delivered as five weeks  these special one day sessions will run from 830 - 430 pm Eastern/New York Via Zoom throughout 2020. upcoming dates include March 25, April 1, May 6th. Special offerings can be delivered to teams internal to organizations.

During the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program we cover: 
Module 1 – Virtual Facilitation Foundations

• Four Essential ingredients for virtual facilitation
• The range of virtual facilitation options
• Core Skills for Virtual Facilitation -and how yours stack up

Module 2 – Approaches and Engagement Strategies for Effective Virtual Learning

• Different virtual design options
• Foundations of engagement – practical approaches for engagement
• Core elements for Effective, and Engaging, Virtual Events

Module 3 – Building your Facilitation Toolkit
Whether you are leading meetings, webinars or other virtual events, having a robust toolkit to draw up upon is key. This session introduces you to more than 12 virtual facilitation approaches – from openers, to closers to goal setting and accountability in the virtual space.

Module 4 – Exploring the Technologies

• Exploring breakouts and technology issues
• Core logistical issues to consider
• Different roles in a virtual event
• Evaluating virtual events

Module 5 - Tricky issues and how to keep the conversation going
Your action planning

You'll also have the opportunity to "get behind the dashboard" of virtual sessions, and you'll get to practice some of the more essential elements of starting calls, recording, doing breakouts etc.

The one day intensive virtual format will be a just-in-time opportunity to learn and start gaining confidence in your skills. The program will be of interest to people who need to lead virtual conversations quickly. For those that have more time to learn, join us for the more extended five week program.

This special one-day program will be offered on Wednesdays. You can choose from:

Wednesday March 25 - 10- 530 pm Eastern/Toronto
Wednesday April 1 -830 - 4 pm ET
Wednesday May 6 - 830 - 4 pm ET

It is also offered as a 5 week session which will start again in late March 2020.

Cost: $475 US which includes the one day virtual session, a 15 minute pre call and post call, plus module notes which include the core elements of our training.  You'll also have access to a robust video library of more than 2 dozen calls related to virtual facilitation and coaching. 
For those that want Continuing  Coach Education, they can complete a 2 hour blended learning assignment for a total of 8.5 hours of CCES with the ICF.

​Register and reserve your spot today:

Questions? Contact me, Jennifer Britton, by phone at (416)996-8326 or by email at info@potentialsrealized.com. 

Are you a professional looking to lead more engaging virtual calls - webinars, virtual team meetings, or virtual group coaching sessions? A quick reminder that the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program will be starting next week - Monday June 3rd and will run for five sessions. We'll be meeting on Mondays from 1:30 - 2:45 pm Eastern on June 3, 10, 17, 24, and July 8 (no call week of July 1).

This program is a live, hands-on learning experience in the area of virtual facilitation. A blend of modelling and content, we take a deeper dive into the practices and approaches which take virtual conversations from the mutli-tasking "death by conference call" to one that is engaging and memorable. 

Over the course of the five weeks we explore SKILLS, Techniques, and Designing for Engagement. TIn addition to robust module notes, and weekly 1-1s (15 minute laser calls) with lead facilitator, coach and Effective Virtual Conversations author Jennifer, the program includes five modules as follows: 

Week 1 – Virtual Facilitation Foundations

• Four Essential ingredients for virtual facilitation
• The range of virtual facilitation options
• Core Skills for Virtual Facilitation -and how yours stack up

Week 2 – Approaches and Engagement Strategies for Effective Virtual Learning

• Different virtual design options
• Foundations of engagement – practical approaches for engagement
• Core elements for Effective, and Engaging, Virtual Events

Week 3 – Building your Facilitation Toolkit
Whether you are leading meetings, webinars or other virtual events, having a robust toolkit to draw up upon is key. This session introduces you to more than 12 virtual facilitation approaches – from openers, to closers to goal setting and accountability in the virtual space.

Week 4 – Exploring the Technologies

• Exploring breakouts and technology issues
• Core logistical issues to consider
• Different roles in a virtual event
• Evaluating virtual events

 
Week 5 - Tricky Issues and open space for additional topics
In week five we explore common tricky issues around technology, design and participant issues, along with how to mitigate against them.

This program is approved for 8.5 CCES with the ICF, including 5.5 hours of core competencies.

Cost for the program : $450 US

I hope that you will join us!

To learn more and register, please visit: https://www.groupcoachingessentials.ca/vfe.html 

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Potentials Realized
​Author of Effective Virtual Conversations 

Are you looking to boost your skills, toolbox and knowledge of leading virtual sessions which engage and involve learners/team members? Looking to avoid the Death By Conference call mindset?

The spring 2019 session of the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program is going to start on Monday April 1st. We'll be holding calls from 8-915 am ET or 3 - 4:15 pm ET. 

During this five week, 75 minute interactive virtual session we'll take a deep dive into these five areas:
Week 1 – Virtual Facilitation Foundations

• Four Essential ingredients for virtual facilitation
• The range of virtual facilitation options
• Core Skills for Virtual Facilitation -and how yours stack up

Week 2 – Approaches and Engagement Strategies for Effective Virtual Learning

• Different virtual design options
• Foundations of engagement – practical approaches for engagement
• Core elements for Effective, and Engaging, Virtual Events

Week 3 – Building your Facilitation Toolkit
Whether you are leading meetings, webinars or other virtual events, having a robust toolkit to draw up upon is key. This session introduces you to more than 12 virtual facilitation approaches – from openers, to closers to goal setting and accountability in the virtual space.

Week 4 – Exploring the Technologies

• Exploring breakouts and technology issues
• Core logistical issues to consider
• Different roles in a virtual event
• Evaluating virtual events

 
Week 5 - Tricky Issues and open space for additional topics
In week five we explore common tricky issues around technology, design and participant issues, along with how to mitigate against them.

In addition to being rich with learning and resources, it's also a lot of fun (at least that's what alumni say!). 

Come and be ready to experiment, learn and contribute to the conversation.

The program is approved by the ICF for 8.5 CCEs (including 5.5 hours of core competencies.

Cost: $450 US which includes the 5 x 75 minute virtual sessions, weekly 15 minute 1-1 with Jennifer, weekly module notes and lots of templates you can use in your work right away! The program includes a 2 hour blended learning assignment so you can explore your topics of interest at a greater depth.

Questions? Contact me (Jennifer) by email or by phone at (416)996-8326 to set up a quick discussion about how this can support you with your own virtual programming (webinars, coaching, facilitation or training).

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot. Space is limited to 6-8 participants as this is an interactive program.

Hope you will join us on April 1st for our spring kick off!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of several books including: PlanDoTrack (2019), Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Effective Group Coaching (2010)
Potentials Realized  - Specializing in support to virtual and remote teams, leaders and entrepreneurs
Award-winning Coaching Skills Training
Connect with us by Phone: (416)996-8326

As an author, I enjoy the fact that I get to connect with a wide variety of professionals who are interested in the topics I write around.

In addition to the public speaking events and corporate sessions I deliver, I also host regular (i.e. monthly) virtual community calls which are open to everyone to attend. In today's busy world, it  is more likely that people will catch up with the recording, AND there is a longevity to video that can't be beat!

I wanted to share with you several of the past EVC posts which I think you might be interested in checking out, in service to supporting you in having more engaging and effective virtual conversations. These calls will likely be of interest whether you are hosting a webinar, or leading a virtual team meeting. 

Some of the recent calls have included:
Tricky Issues in Virtual Calls -  View it here (Run time 30 minutes) 
Core Skills for Masterful Virtual Conversationalists - View it here
​Building Trust and Connection in the Virtual Space. View it here.
3 Activities for your Virtual Conversations - View it here.

All of these map back to my book, Effective Virtual Conversations. If you haven't picked up a copy of it, be sure to do so at Amazon.

What have been your favorite community call episodes? Be sure to share with us here so others can check them out.

Enjoy!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of several books including: PlanDoTrack (2019), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Effective Group Coaching (2010)
Potentials Realized  - Specializing in support to virtual and remote teams, leaders and entrepreneurs
Award-winning Coaching Skills Training
Connect with us by Phone: (416)996-8326

Whether it's a virtual team meeting or an interactive webinar, connecting people early in your virtual events can make a big difference, signalling that something  "out of the ordinary" might lay ahead. This is key given the default "Death by Conference Call" mode many virtual listeners slip into as the calls sarts.

Here are 10 quick warm-up ideas to get your next virtual session moving a little differently.

#1 - Get people to locate on a map where they are calling in from.

#2 - Create a word puzzle for people to engage with

#3  - Show some trivia and have people guess the answer (or the source)

#4 - Create a video about the topic you are speaking about. This month at the Learning Lab and Design Studio (an annual program I run for learning professionals of all kinds - facilitators, coaches, and leaders) we're exploring video based learning, and group members are actually going to create their own videos in our next call.

 #5 - Create a quiz

#6 - Show a brain twister or spot the difference

#7 - Have a question or prompt on the screen which people can engage with or reflect on

#8 -  Get people to mindmap all their ideas about the topic

#9 - Share a photo related to the topic

#10 - Have a quick list of books, podcast or videos on the topic

What will help you start your next call off a little differently so that people know that it's not going to be "Death by Conference call".

Please share your ideas in the comments below.

Enjoy!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of several books including: PlanDoTrack (2019), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Effective Group Coaching (2010)
Potentials Realized  - Specializing in support to virtual and remote teams, leaders and entrepreneurs
Award-winning Coaching Skills Training
Connect with us by Phone: (416)996-8326

As a former Virtual Team Leader and Program Manager myself, I know how important having a great toolkit for support of today's virtual and remote team really is. I hear this every day from the virtual and remote teams I work with through virtual team building events, and coaching conversations.

I dedicated the first 2019 Effective Virtual Conversations call to the topic of 5 Virtual and Remote Team Building Activities. You can view it here on YouTube.

As more teams become geographically dispersed, building skills in virtual teamwork is critical. These are not the same skill sets we tried to develop at the start of the millennium when there was a focus on virtual and remote teams. We're updating these skills with today's practices and tech tools.

I'd like to invite you to join me here at the Effective Virtual Conversations blog this year, for continued posts on what makes conversations in the virutal space engaging, and impactful.  If you are a virtual and remote professional you may also want to check out the sibling site of my latest book - PlanDoTrack.com.

Last month I released the PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner for VIrtual and Remote Teams as another resource geared to support you in having better conversations and impact in the virtual and remote world. Part workbook, part analog planner,  it's a desk sized book, you can refer to all year long, AND use to keep organized.

There are two resources I hope you will check out regularly over at PlanDoTrack:
Weekly Friday posts as part of the 52 Weeks of Planning, Doing and Tracking. Each week I'll be releasing another episode and weekly worksheet, geared to support you with a focusing prompt for reflection AND action in the virtual space. Check out the original posts here.

The second set of resources I hope you will check out are the monthly planning sessions I offer. Month end virtual reflection hacks (1 hour in length to support you in reflecting on key successes from the last month AND planning for the month ahead - next one January 31st from 6 - 7 am Eastern) AND the February 2nd PlanDoTrack Virtual Retreat - an action filled accountability retreat getting you to plan, take action and start tracking key projects you are working on. I'll host this program this coming weekend on Saturday from 2 -6 pm Eastern on zoom. Learn more and reserve your spot here.


Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of several books including: PlanDoTrack (2019), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Effective Group Coaching (2010)
Potentials Realized  - Specializing in support to virtual and remote teams, leaders and entrepreneurs
Award-winning Coaching Skills Training
Connect with us by Phone: (416)996-8326