Can you learn presentation skills using a virtual approach rather than in person training?

Yes you can – if you use bespoke, blended learning. Our case study with a global financial services organisation shows you how.

35 people from a global financial services organisation that operates in 54 countries participated in a blended learning approach to developing effective presentation skills. Working in virtual teams of five across diverse cultures and geographies, groups developed short presentations on topics addressing key business challenges and opportunities.

Participants received self-study materials to help them understand the principles of successful presentations and prepare individually to put this into practice. This was followed by collaborative working through conference calls to develop their team presentations and share their insights and learning with each other. The next step was a series of 2-hour small group virtual ‘live presentation sessions’ facilitated by SML where every team member had the opportunity to present using LiveMeetings technology. Along with the personal attention given to the presenter by the SML facilitator, every other participant in the virtual session was actively tasked with either asking questions, giving feedback on the idea or content, or the presenter’s delivery style- all in real time.

The benefits of the programme ranged from the opportunity to learn from each others mistakes and successes; access to immediate and value-adding feedback from colleagues across the world; and the chance to listen to the audio recording of all the sessions, resulted in faster individual learning and improved presentation skills. This was evident in the comments received from participants about the programme.

‘At first I thought virtual would not work that well as there wasn’t the visual focus you get face to face, but once we got going it progressed steadily and I enjoyed it…and I picked up some good tips overall.’

‘The instant feedback on content and style was very useful.’

‘I enjoyed evaluating the other presentations – and in the process realising where mine needed improvements!’

‘The best part was a combination of speak and listen…feedback from the facilitator and the group was superb.’

01-Jul-2011 | SML new

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