How to Get the Most From Application Sharing Online
As the leader of a remote team you often have to train people, or at least get them up to speed, on processes and software. One of the best ways to do this is through webmeetings. If you use these tools effectively they can increase buy-in and speed retention. After all, you not only want them to remember how to use the tools, you want them to actually use the darned things.
Not only can you show people what the software looks like, but you can even let other people try the tools themselves by sharing control of your desktop.It takes some practice but it's well worth the effort.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of these tools:
- Start at the first important step. Everything you show the audience slows the bandwidth a bit. Don't tempt fate or test their patience. Do you think no one has ever logged into a software program before? Start at the first visual that will actually keep their attention.
- Move slowly and deliberately, especially when going through websites (or anything with links). Remember that every visual you show goes to your audience's computer no matter how long you stay on it. If you are going through a website, for instance, and have to click through a couple of links to get to the screen you're seeking, know that your audience will still have to load each page to get to the visual you want.
- Don't talk and drive at the same time. As with most web presentations, multitasking will make you lose concentration. You'll forget what you're saying or the dreaded "ummms" kick in. Here's the rhythm to get into:
- Tell them what you're about to do
- Pause (which includes stop talking)
- Click
- Resume your demonstration.
- Use your annotation tools to point out important features. If there are features the application that you want people to pay attention to, highlight them using your annotation tools. Point out important links and where they can find the help screen. Use the highlighter or circle tools to point out specs or features that are important to the success of your presentation.
Let's say you're going to work on the budget with your team. It's one thing to show them the numbers, but it's something else to call up the Excel spreadsheet and put in the numbers in real time. They can see where the numbers come from, and as you input numbers in one cell, the result shows up in the totals.
If you're trying to show them how to do a search in your database, you can show them the first two steps, and then ask them what the third step should be. It's a great way to assess if they're understanding something before you get too far down the road and lose them.
Of course, as with any technology, having the tools is one thing and using them is another. Learn what your webmeeting platform or other technology can do and then push the envelope. The results are worth it.
Read more: