Facilitating Virtual Events: Success Factors from the World Bank Group

Darlene Christopher, World Bank Group, (her blog) shared the PREP model:

1. Planning - become familiar/comfortable with the tool
   
2. Rehearsal - important step, practice with the facilitation team, test with mock audience
   
3. Execution
   
4. Post Mortem - solicit feedback from participants key, use system features
   

The World Bank Group employs the two person model, lead facilitator and a producer. Use an extra computer logged in as a participant. Can also serve as a backup. VIOP is not an option since they have locations all over the world.

Good tip: have a printout of participants with photos so you can relate to the learners.

Nuggets:

• Use the system to have some fun with the participants
  
• Use webcam to establish a "social" presence. The turn it off to save screen real estate. They turn the web cam on during breaks so participants know when the session is restarting
  
• From the chat - scheduling a "play date" with new SME presenters with the tool

Wonderful use of WebEx chat function to gather tips from the participants.