The definitive list of sync and async online trainer skills

The complete list of the skills, attributes and knowledge that a modern workplace trainer needs to thrive in the Post-COVID world of training

Evolving Corporate Trainer

Corporate and workplace training has evolved remarkably since COVID 19 and will migrate mostly online. This is well known and documented. There will still be die-hard fans of in-person training, but then again people even rode horses after the internal combustion engine was born. Whilst I’m on the historical analogies, people still crossed the Atlantic on boats way into the ’50s when aeroplanes cut the journey down dramatically.

I’m banging the drum for online workshops rather than in-person events, but that’s the way I see it.

Online will fork into two fragments. Synchronous and Asynchronous or Sync and Async as I prefer to call it. Broadly, Sync training is live and real-time, a traditional online workshop for a few hours with everyone rocking up on their PCs or laptops with you. Async is pre-recorded learning usually delivered by a fancy learning system or platform or via links in DropBox. You don’t have to get complicated with this although many corporate trainers like to navel-gaze on that exact topic.

Corporate or workplace trainers will have to get good at both moving into the future. I’m mean very competent.

These two lists help you to brainstorm the skills, capabilities and knowledge that modern trainers need to have or attain for both Sync and Async. The plan is in no particular order

Async (Pre-recorded) Trainer Skills

Knowledge of applications
Presenting to camera
Audio recording capability
Control of voice tone
Humour on camera
Rendering video and audio footage
Understanding LMS Platforms
Presenting livestreams
Mastery of tech
Connecting to livestreams
Using Zoom/Teams
Uploading assets to platforms (MP4s, MP3s, PDFs)
Converting Word and PowerPoint to PDF
Contemporary PowerPoint creation capability for online recording with voice over
Screen capture ability
Populating LMS Platforms – logical approach
Appreciation of learning multimedia
Writing capability
How to interview an SME online and record
Use of graphic cartoon video apps such as Explaindio, Doodly
Use of VARK learning styles
Understanding how young people learn via full multimedia
Benefits of online learnings
Online programme design – learning objectives and performance objectives,
Use of video camera (DSLR), SD Card, transferring video MP4 clips to PC
Knowledge of MP4 files and resolutions, how to compress video
How to compress PowerPoint files
Podcasts – sound quality and resolution
Set up of video studio, lighting competence, ventilation, noise control
Use of whiteboard and flipchart when recording
How to incorporate PowerPoint slides into recorded video
Use of microphones, lapel and boom mics, how to connect to PC and manipulate the sound quality.
Use of a variety of activities to enhance involvement – selected from the Trainer’s Toolbox
Ability to Gamify learning – points, awards, positions, feedback, advancement
Use of stories/metaphors to illustrate presentations

I’m banging the drum for online workshops rather than in-person events, but that’s the way I see it.

Sync (Real Time) Delivery Skills

Running Live Online Workshops (LOWs)
Modularising your workshops
Timings and attention spans
Using music online
Complete mastery of all Zoom controls and feature
How to invite students to your live workshop, using calendar invites
Setting up the stage
Appropriate use of ice breakers particularly before “kick-off”. 10 minutes hallway chat or a crossword/quiz or another way of easing learners into the workshop.
Able to educate learners of the various tools required to operate Zoom/Teams. Teach as you go rather than giving them a list—for example, the pin function to spotlight the tutor.
Using the record function on Teams/Zoom and placing the clip into the cloud.
Presenting online live
Audience engagement and involvement
Shrinking workshops and using “flip the classroom” concepts
Shrinking in-person events by 50%
Lighting, sound, ventilation, of studio
Switching webcams seamlessly
Use of graphic support tech – merging PowerPoint slides with video
Using backgrounds and green screen professionally
Online usage of breakout rooms
Online facilitation skills with groups below 10
How to encourage group involvement
Use of headsets and mics to enhance the experience
Presenting skills
VARK learning styles and solid session design
Zoom listening skills, observing facial body language, reading signals
Use of chat function, having it available to view all the time
Use of multiple monitors to present professionally, opening various windows simultaneously
Owning the backup routine – Wi-Fi, electricity, the noise outside
Re-booting and fixing common problems with online delivery.
Use of whiteboard, lighting, large pens, working with the camera whilst presenting
Angling videos and zoom capability using cam software
Knowledge of at least four video meeting software apps and being able to flip seamlessly from one to another. Zoom, Teams, GoTo, Webex, Adobe, Google Meets
Use of add on apps such as Kahoot, Padlet etc.
Understanding PC requirements to run practical online sessions, processor, Wi-Fi speed etc.
Adapting webcam using settings software
Manipulating backgrounds and filters on Zoom/Teams
Demonstrating security of the training room via Zoom and Teams
Use of “Zoom Zone” when conducting one on one online video sessions, being able to move from sitting to standing seamlessly using multiple cameras.
Use of a variety of activities to enhance involvement – selected from the Trainer’s Online Toolbox.