A note about virtual trainings during COVID-19
I am definitely an extrovert, so it’s no surprise that up until now I have offered my trainings primarily in person. Of course, there are challenges and silver livings to using a virtual format. The challenge is that we can’t see each other in person and observe body language, tone and all of the things that go into human communication, which quite frankly, is the whole point of my trainings (and in my extroverted opinion, being alive!) Eye contact is rough because if we are speaking directly into the camera, then we can’t often see what others’ eyeballs are doing. Zoom technology prevents us from talking at the exact same time with an empathic “mm hm” or enthusiastic “me too!” so sometimes the conversation can feel unnatural. Also, sometimes I feel like I am on a game show too (anyone else?) which is very distracting and nerve wracking.
As I see it, the silver linings are two-fold: instead of having to be with me in person in New York City or Seattle or at Girl Scout camp in Alaska, now you can be in your living room in Northern Ireland or Durban and join others from different parts of the world! Which in my extroverted opinion, is also the point of being alive, to know people who come from different backgrounds. Also, like I said, Zoom prevents us from talking at the exact same time, so the upside is that the speaker has the full floor without interruptions, and the listener is only listening. Honing this type of listening is often part of the training too, so it is an unexpected way to practice.
I hope you will join me for some online adventures. Please see the latest offerings on my events & workshops page, and if you are looking for something customized for your organization, please reach out!
