How to Create Connection and Community in Virtual Classes
As instructors of virtual classes, sometimes it can feel like you’re teaching to… an empty void. Which is not fun to teach (or attend).
To run top-notch classes, instructors know they need to make each person feel seen and valued, just for being there. One’s group fitness instructor may be the only person in their entire day to ask them how they’re doing, so the impact of engagement has the potential to be huge.
How can instructors cultivate meaningful relationships and foster that sense of community in this virtual space? How can they engage participants and keep them coming back?
Here are top tips for group class instructors and wellness program managers to get maximum virtual class engagement from your participants:
1) Greet each person by name. Rather than reading down the roster and doing this quickly, make an effort to look at the person (if their camera is on) and leave a brief pause after greeting for them to respond.
2) Break the ice and get to know each other. You can do this a number of ways, but simply said-- be conversational. As you share small things about yourself (how you’re doing, your weekend plans, or a small anecdotal story), your students will share more with you too. If you struggle with doing this on the spot, plan to ask a specific question prompt that everyone can answer.
Examples:
Anything you liked or didn’t like from last week’s class?
Is this your first class with us?
How are you physically feeling and what is one thing you’d like to get out of this class?
Have you noticed any changes after attending a number of these classes?
What is currently inspiring you to show up for these classes?
How do you hold yourself accountable to your fitness routines?
As students share pieces of themselves with you, you’ll have more and more ease opening up conversation in the future. If a student tells you their weekend plans, for example, be sure to ask them about how it all went, the following week when they return.
3) Educate your students. Simply put-- teach them something! Take the time to plan what you want to share, so you’re offering fresh content each week. Use anatomically correct language and explain what you mean, so your students gain knowledge about their bodies. Students who learn something in your class are much more likely to come back. Plus, this positions you as the expert that you are, and make you look good! :)
4) Be comfortable with a little bit of silence. This is an important one that almost everyone struggles with, especially since many students will have their cameras off. When you greet someone or ask a question, be sure to wait for their response. Even if they don’t respond, leaving a moment of space/silence shows that you actually care about welcoming them and what they might have to say.
5) Give people a connection alternative. If they don’t want to turn on their camera, or un-mute and talk -- they can always leave a note in the chat, or connect by email. There are many ways to connect and people have different comfort levels.
5) Don’t take it personally when people don’t speak up. The big thing is, they showed up. If people aren’t speaking up, just assume they are getting their space ready or had to pop away from the computer for a second.
7) Keep at it! We all have days when we want to blend into the background and just do our thing. We also have days where we feel extra social and chatty, where engaging is easier. Don’t give up. Just keep putting your good vibes out there, and when people are ready, they will connect.
8) And, don’t force it. For many people, sharing personal stories with people they don’t know is 100% unappealing. And many get frustrated if these stories and chit chat cut into class time. These are more of the get-in-and-get-out type. In fact, most probably fall into this category. So, read your audience and try for a small acknowledgements and ways to engage that don’t distract from the class and the desired results. When people keep coming back, you will know it’s working.
9) Ask for feedback. Sometimes participants are verbally quiet during class, but they have a lot to say. You might be surprised how gushing praise can come from a survey, when sent after class, sometimes from the most silent participants. Ask for feedback so you can adapt to your audience, and better cultivate meaningful, impactful classes that people continue to return to.
Apply these engagement tactics, along with our more technical Tips for Teaching Virtual Yoga & Fitness Classes. These will help to create an inviting environment in your classes and foster connection between you and participants.
In both the online and in-person teaching space, when instructors are intentional about connection and personal recognition, participants feel seen, experience a unique experience, and keep coming back.
Are you already great at participant engagement and looking for more teaching opportunities? Zest is always looking for great teachers and has flexible contract opportunities. Apply directly here.