Skills of a Great Teleclass Leader

Ask for feedback to improve your skills.  When we pay attention to feedback, we can make choices about the skills we need to improve and work on.

 Do a self-evaluation after each teleclass.  Ask and answer these two simple questions: “What did I like best about this class?” and  “What would I like to do next time?”.

Grow your participants.  Challenge them to do something great with the information.  Inspire them to change, grow, expand.  Be a role model of a new way of being.

Bring every item to completion.  Adults need completion.  Bring topics full circle and conclude by summing up the main points.

Build on what each participant says.  A rich discussion is like making phyllo pastry – keep layering the pastry with lots of butter, another layer, more butter.

Be an equal not an authority figure.  Be willing to learn and share your knowledge with the participants in your class.   No one enjoys a ‘know it all’ so don’t put yourself out there as one.

Be interesting by being authentic.  Share things that you have learned and be yourself.  Now that’s interesting.

Tempt your participants.  All of us want to know why we might want to learn something.  Tease your learners with a sort of ‘what’s in it for them’.

Cross pollinate for new ideas.  Read magazines and books outside your area of expertise to see if you can extrapolate the ideas.  You will be fresh and first in your field.

Become a good listener.  Since we don’t have body language to read, we need to sharpen our listening skills and stay open to nuances that are present in the voice.

Practice good speaking techniques.  Join Toastmasters. Read books on speaking and facilitation.  Become a student of speaking and facilitation and transfer that knowledge to the virtual classroom.

Have something of value for people.  Ideas, solutions, notes, contacts, websites, all leave participants with something of value in each and every class.

Network.  Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge with others in your subject area - afraid that they might steal it.  Each of us is unique and, as we build relationships, we can create a stronger force.

Stay current and well read.  Subscribe to internet newsletters, on-line magazines, the newspaper, and current events.  Keep in touch with what is going on around you.

Be open to how much you will love teleclasses and teaching.  These little critters are addictive!  An international classroom created with a telephone bridge, good marketing, and your skills - all from the comfort of home.  It’s amazing!

Keep it light by sharing moments of laughter with your students.   Laughter can really help to relax and provide a special energy to the class.   ‘Light Leaders’ are favorites with students. 

Just a sample of the 101 Tips for Great Teleclasses included FREE with your purchase of How to Design, Deliver and Market a Great Teleclass!