Let’s face it, too many webinars still feel like a chore. But what if virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) wasn’t just something your learners endured, but something they actually looked forward to?
At their best, webinars can be an immersive, interactive part of your organization’s training strategy. The key? Intention, design, and just a little creativity.
Reframing the Webinar
A webinar is more than a glorified Zoom call with a slide deck. It’s a strategic opportunity to teach, influence, and connect. Whether you’re training teams, launching a product, or facilitating a thought leadership session, webinars can provide meaningful learning experiences when done well.
Best Practices for Transforming Your vILT
Start with the Learner
Design starts with empathy. Who’s attending? What do they already know? What’s challenging them? Are they joining on a laptop or mobile phone? When you understand their context, you can create an experience that resonates and drives behavior change.
Design for Mobile (Because They’re Probably on Their Phone)
Many participants will join from a mobile device, so simplicity is key. Use large fonts, high-contrast visuals, and limit on-screen text. Choose a platform that performs well across devices, and always test in advance.
Choose the Right Format for Your Message
Not every topic works best as a monologue. Consider these flexible formats:
- Solo presenter for deep dives
- Co-presenters for conversational flow
- Panel discussions with SMEs
- Interview-style sessions
- Demonstration-based walkthroughs
- Q&A-driven events that center the learner’s voice
Make It Interactive (No, Really)
If learners can sit quietly for 20 minutes without doing anything, you’ve lost them. Use:
- Chat prompts every 3–5 minutes
- Polls or quizzes
- Slide annotation or virtual whiteboards
- Breakout rooms for small group discussion
On-mic Q&A for deeper engagement
Don’t Let Bad Audio Derail Good Design
Even the best-planned session can unravel with poor sound quality. Use a hardwired internet connection, invest in a quality microphone, and always do a tech check. Bonus tip: Have a producer or co-host who can troubleshoot live issues so the facilitator stays focused on delivery.
Reimagine What’s Possible with Webinars
At Zenith Performance Solutions, we design high-impact virtual learning experiences that feel less like presentations and more like conversations. Whether you’re ready to build a new webinar series or elevate existing sessions, our instructional design team can help you create webinars that actually work.