Congratulations on your first virtual facilitation!

While it seems as if it would be less physically demanding, facilitating a virtual audience still takes plenty of stamina and strategy. Taking care of yourself is as essential as your agenda or your planned activities. Here’s my go-to prep list:

1. Time-block essentials — When creating your schedule, include stretch and screen breaks (and protect those blocks!).
2. Energy stack — An hour before, hydrate, have a light snack, and take a quick walk before logging on.
3. Mindset reset — Once you’re 35 minutes out, take five minutes of quiet breathing and centering.
4. Tech check — When it’s a half-hour until your start time, double-check your slides, breakout links, online interactive tools, lighting, sound, and backup connections.
5. Visual cues — During the session, I keep a few “anchor” props (timer, sticky notes, smile reminder) in my line of sight. I also close all other windows on my computer to minimize distractions.

We can’t wait to hear how it goes. You got this!