Virtual Training

12Virtual Training Backdrop

What learners see when they enter your virtual classroom sends a powerful message. Your backdrop is essentially everything that is visible in your video frame other than you. Your backdrop should be both functional and visually appealing.

Let's begin with backdrops that are never acceptable for virtual training delivery:

• Clutter and trash
• Unflattering and inappropriate personal items that distract learners
• Plain blank walls—especially white or beige
• Distracting paintings and art
• Anything that could potentially be considered offensive
• Bright windows
• Big, cavernous rooms (like your family room) that have a tendency to pull learners' eyes away from you and into the room

You should also stay away from using the background image replacement feature on your videoconferencing platform. Though the technology is getting better, it has severe limitations for delivering dynamic virtual training.

Background replacement works best when you are sitting still. Fast movements and hand gestures can cause blurs and break the artificial background, making you look distorted and unnatural. This is why background replacement doesn't play well with virtual training. Because you'll often be standing up, using hand gestures, and moving around while you deliver training, phony backgrounds create a poor visual experience for your learners.

Elements of an Effective Virtual Training Background

Let's go back to the physical classroom. As a participant, what do you see? ...