A successful start is the key to participant motivation and engagement. A good start removes uncertainty. When participants know what is expected of them and where things stand, they can focus on the subject matter itself.
What kind of starts are needed?
Starts occur at different levels, whether the work happens live or online:
The start of the whole journey: The landing page and potential pre-assignments.
The start of a section: Launching the first meeting or a new module.
The start of intermediate work: Instructions for independent or group work between meetings.
Individual or small group start: For example, setting the stage for a coaching session.
Participants are guided into these starts by making things visible in the workspace, inviting them to participate in activities, encouraging them, reminding them, and thanking them for their participation.
How do you guide participants into starts?
The admin’s role is to act as a guide. Use these methods:
Make it Visible: Use clear headings and highlight current topics so they are easy to see and find.
Invite and Encourage: Utilize invitation messages and reminders. For example, send scheduled reminders from interactive widgets and invite participants to explore new content.
Be Present: Thank people for their participation and react to their responses—this fuels further activity.