The virtual training session you're hosting is about to start. You take a deep breath as you glance at your notes. The stakes are high: your team’s output depends on this training. You remember the last time they sat through virtual training. Boring slides. Zoned-out faces. And then a bunch of questions afterward. The training didn't stick. But what if this time could be different? What if this virtual training session was actually fun? It's possible. And we're going to show how. In this guide, we'll cover 15 virtual training best practices you can apply to your next training session. Whether you're training employees, customers, or external stakeholders, these virtual training best practices will take your training to the next level. ## **What is Virtual Training?** Virtual training is a great way to deliver educational content and build skills. Unlike traditional in-person training, it uses technology to create an interactive learning environment. It connects people remotely and fits diverse schedules. Virtual training can include live [webinars](/content/learn/what-is-a-webinar/index.html), pre-recorded videos, interactive modules, and real-time discussions. Virtual training is more than just a video call with slides. When done right, e-learning can feel like a real classroom. It allows for instant feedback, Q&As, quizzes, and attendee interaction. Tools like virtual whiteboards, live chat functions, and screen sharing make virtual training more engaging. ## **Benefits of Virtual Training** Virtual training offers many benefits that can improve the learning experience. ### **Convenience of Virtual Training** Convenience is a major perk. You can schedule sessions at [times that work best for your audience](/content/learn/best-time-and-day-to-host-webinar/index.html). They can also access training materials at their own pace if they’re pre-recorded and revisit the content as needed for review and reinforcement. ### **Virtual Training is Cost-Effective** Virtual training is also cost-effective. It cuts expenses for travel, accommodations, and physical materials. This makes it a budget-friendly option. ### **Works for Different Learning Styles** Not everyone learns the same way. But virtual training brings in multiple styles of learning - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Virtual training lets everyone engage in a way that works for them. This meets the needs of today’s diverse workforce. ### **Virtual Training is Measurable** Enhanced tracking and reporting are big advantages as well. When you use platforms like [Contrast](/content/learn/branded-player/index.html) for virtual training, you can easily monitor attendance and engagement rates to see what kind of impact your training made. This data-driven approach allows you to identify areas where attendees might struggle, enabling you to address these issues promptly. ## **15 Virtual Training Best Practices** We're here to make your next virtual training session a success. Every day companies use [our platform](/content/features?utm_source=virtual-training-best-practices&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blog-link/index.html) to run virtual training for their employees and customers. We've picked up some lessons along the way and have compiled them all into this list of virtual training best practices. ### **Define Clear Training Objectives** To make your virtual training better, start by setting clear objectives. Having specific goals helps you stay focused. It also makes sure you deliver relevant content that resonates with your audience. For example, if you’re conducting virtual training on effective communication in a remote work environment, your objectives might look something like this: 1. **Establish Guidelines for Our Company's Remote Communication Tools:** Participants will learn when and why they should use email, Slack, or Asana. 2. **Boost Interpersonal Skills:** Attendees will learn techniques for maintaining clear and concise communication. 3. **Improve Conflict Resolution:** By the end of the training, participants should be comfortable handling conflicts and misunderstandings in a virtual setting. Setting clear objectives lets your attendees know what to expect from the training. These objectives also create a roadmap for structuring your training content. It's going to help you stay organized and on track. ### **Prepare Engaging Training Content** Once you have clear goals, the next most important thing is creating engaging training content. Start by understanding your audience's needs and interests. Use this information to create training content that feels like it speaks to them personally. Mix up your materials to keep things interesting. Use videos, slides, and interactive activities. This variety helps maintain engagement and makes virtual training more enjoyable. Keep your training content clear and concise. Avoid long paragraphs and complex jargon. Break information into smaller, digestible chunks. Like these sentences. Include real-life examples and stories. This makes the content relatable and easier to understand. Always aim to connect the material to your audience's everyday experiences. ### **Choose the Right Virtual Training Platform** Choosing the right [platform for virtual training](/content/learn/webinar-training-software/index.html) makes a big difference. Not every platform will meet your specific needs. It's worth spending time researching your options. We built Contrast to make webinars and virtual training sessions more fun. We've got all the features you'd expect in a modern [webinar platform](/content/learn/best-webinar-software/index.html), but we spend a lot of time focusing on interactive features like live polls, [Q&As](/content/learn/webinar-q-a/index.html), and chat functions. ### **Interactive Elements** Create opportunities for interaction during your session. This can be through polls, Q&A segments, or prompts for the live chat. Our data shows that only [30% of webinar hosts](/content/learn/webinar-statistics/index.html) use live polls to engage their audience. This virtual training best practice is a no-brainer because you can be better than 70% of your peers just by including a poll. Try to create space for open dialogue and encourage participants to share questions. Our Q&A tool lets you highlight questions from the live chat to focus on. This makes participants feel heard. ### **Make Your Virtual Training Consistent** Consistency reinforces learning. This is an important virtual training best practice: you need to do it regularly. Instead of scheduling sporadic sessions, establish a routine for virtual training. Whether it's monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly, a regular schedule helps build a learning culture within your employees and team. ### **Use Feedback Loops** Gathering and implementing feedback drives continuous improvement. At the end of your virtual training, use surveys or feedback forms to capture attendee thoughts. Ask them what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d like to see in the future. ### **Use Visual Aids Effectively** Visual aids can significantly enhance the learning experience by making complicated information easier to digest. These include infographics, charts, and diagrams that break down key concepts visually. ### **Kick-off with an Icebreaker** This virtual training best practice is all about lightening the mood. Training is for humans. And humans like having a good time. A good icebreaker sets a positive tone for your virtual training session. It can be a lighthearted quiz, a fun game, or an interactive activity that encourages everyone to participate right from the start. ### **Create Follow-Up Materials** After training, provide follow-up materials to reinforce the lessons learned. This can be a recording of the session, downloadable resources, or additional reading materials. ### **Use Analytics to Improve** This virtual training best practice is all about making the best use of your data. Measure the outcomes of your virtual training. Tools like Contrast provide detailed analytics on attendance and engagement. Dig into these metrics and your attendee feedback to refine your approach based on what you learn. ### **Provide On-Demand Training Resources** In addition to live sessions, offer [on-demand](/content/learn/on-demand-webinars/index.html) training resources to complement remote learning. Recorded videos, step-by-step guides, and additional reading materials let participants learn at their own pace. They can revisit these resources anytime to reinforce the material and clear up doubts. ### **Offer Certificates and Incentives** Certificates of completion or professional development credits can serve as valuable incentives. They acknowledge participants' efforts and add a sense of accomplishment. ### **Follow Up on Training** [Following up](/content/learn/webinar-follow-up-emails/index.html) on training reinforces learning and keeps the momentum going. After your virtual training session, sending a series of well-crafted follow-up emails can make all the difference. This isn't just about saying thank you—it's a good way to solidify the knowledge you just shared. ### **Add Gamification to Your Virtual Training** Gamifying elements of your training can boost engagement and make learning [fun during your events](/content/learn/fun-virtual-events/index.html). Things like point systems, badges, or leaderboards create a competitive yet enjoyable environment. ### **Invest in Quality Equipment** Good-quality audio and video equipment are important. Clear sound and high-definition video make a big difference in training. Invest in a good microphone and camera, and make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid technical problems. ## **Challenges of Virtual Training** You'll be ready to crush it with this list of virtual training best practices, but we don't want to sugarcoat it - virtual training can be challenging. Understanding these obstacles can help you adapt. Let’s dive into some common challenges of virtual training and how to address them. ### **Technical Issues** Technical difficulties can disrupt even the best-planned virtual training sessions. Issues like poor audio quality, lagging video, software glitches, and unstable internet connections can hinder the flow of your training. **How to Overcome:** 1. **Test Equipment**: Conduct a technical run-through before the actual session. Test all equipment, including microphones, webcams, and internet connections. 2. **Backup Plans**: Have a backup plan for common issues, such as a secondary internet connection through your phone's hotspot or a backup laptop. 3. **Technical Support**: if possible, make sure a teammate is on standby to troubleshoot or jump in if something goes wrong during the virtual session. ### **Participant Disengagement** Maintaining engagement in a remote learning environment can be challenging. People may get distracted by other tasks, especially if they're in a familiar, home setting. **How to Overcome:** 1. **Interactive Elements**: Use interactive elements to keep participants engaged. 2. **Frequent Breaks**: Incorporate short breaks to prevent burnout. 3. **Dynamic Content**: Use varied formats and on-screen layouts to keep the content dynamic and interesting. ### **Time Management** Virtual training sessions for employees can sometimes run longer or shorter than intended, affecting the schedule and pacing. **How to Overcome:** 1. **Structured Agenda**: Create a detailed agenda and stick to it. Outline the time allotted for each section. 2. **Time Warnings**: Give time warnings a few minutes before transitioning to the next topic. 3. **Pacing**: Adjust your pacing based on participant feedback and engagement levels. Be flexible but aim to stay on track. ## **Conclusion** Creating an engaging virtual training session is within your reach. By following these virtual training best practices, you can make your training exciting and effective. Start by setting clear goals and choosing the right platform. Add interactive elements and fun games to keep everyone interested. Remember, it's not just about sharing information—it's about making it stick. Use the right tools, ask for feedback, and keep improving your approach. With good planning and execution, your next virtual training session can be a success.