Virtual Facilitation

9Platform

Figure 9.1 Consider the platform and the setting

In a virtual session you aren't all physically in the same place, but you use a platform, such as Zoom or Teams, to host a session. However, the platform isn't just the technology you use (Figure 9.1). It's also the physical platform, or environment, that you and your participants are situated in. We advise that you make sure that you are in a physical location supporting the session and also encourage your participants to do the same. Finally, we recommend that you help the participants get into the right mindset for your session. It's another aspect of the platform you're creating. We'll dive into mindset in more detail in the next chapter though.

The tech platform is crucial to hosting a virtual session, so make sure you have one that supports your session and you know how to use it. Having said that, way too often we see people taking too much time and energy to research and select the ‘perfect’ platform.

We recommend you direct your energy towards designing your session and mastering the chosen platform. In our experience, it's always best to use a platform that you already have and already know, if possible. If you don't have a platform that you use already, choose one that's recommended and that you know works. Remember that virtual facilitation is about humans creating results, not about the tech.

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