If you're a visual learner like me (see "How Do You Like to Learn"), audio offerings probably leave much to be desired. I'll only attend a live tele-class if I'm really keen on the company (Andrea Lee is a fabulous tele-class host and I always enjoy being in her presence).
However, I'm ten times more likely to attend a tele-class if I receive a handout beforehand (Beth Lyons did a great handout for a New Coach Connection class she taught back in '06 - wow, time flies).
If I don't get notes from the teacher, what I'll do to help myself is take notes as I listen. As I type, I'm seeing the information laid out on the page and all of a sudden I'm learning visually, just the way I like it.
Otherwise, it can be very difficult for me stay focused or grasp the concepts I'm there to learn. Quite simply, you'll lose me. IF you even get me to show up in the first place.
As you can probably guess, I'm also not one to purchase a recording of a tele-class after the fact, or any other audio products, for that matter. No matter how interested I am in the topic or how much I like the person. If it's not packaged with a written resource that has the same information, I know I'll never use it.
If you're offering audio, consider how many visual learners might be in your midst, and how you can draw them in instead of turning them away. Here are three ideas:
Writing Prompt - 3 Ways to Enhance Your Live or Recorded Audio Offerings
1. Before a live telephone event or as a free give-away to promote an audio product: Provide callers, students or prospective customers with an outline of what you'll be covering in the audio.
I like using PowerPoint slides for this because it also helps me to structure my content and keep it organized. Include blank pages for notes for people who will print the outline before the call. You can check out Guy Kawasaki's thoughts about the 10/20/30 rule for PowerPoint presentations. Personally, I like to think in 3's, so I aim for 3 main topics and then 3 sub-topics for each of those.
2. After the event or as an added bonus: Provide an enhanced transcription. Thanks to Leesa Barnes for recommending the folks at E24. Once you receive the raw transcription, go through it carefully to make sure it stands alone as a written document.
3. For a real WOW!: Provide a learning guide - a workbook that combines an enhanced transcription with questions and exercises that deepen the learning and offer opportunities and ideas for how the reader can apply the information immediately in their own life. You may also want to combine this with a special offer of a one-time coaching or consultation session with you, to discuss their specific situation. Give the session a catchy name that relates to the topic of the audio.
It doesn't matter which option you choose, just please remember that for us visual learners, audio isn't enough!
Linda Dessau is a writer and coach. She'll put your great ideas into words, and polish them to a shine. Imagine the relief! Visit http://www.contentmasteryguide.com/top10.html for your FREE Top 10 Article Generator worksheet, or contact Linda today to get started on your Learning Guide.
I just love the folks at e24tech. Professional, fast and accurate. For the price, they can't be beat. Well, maybe they can, but until someone shows me otherwise, I'll continue to use e24tech.
Posted by: Leesa Barnes | February 19, 2008 at 09:05 PM