In recent years, Simon Sinek’s book, “Start with Why” and the TED talk has had people buzzing about the need to start with the WHY.  

For decades, anthropologists have known about the importance of starting with the WHY, as have school educational experts (like Bernice McCarthy).  

When I’m asked about how to make virtual training more engaging, I always come back to the basics of good communication design:

WHY?  What’s in it for them?  What is the reason they are there?

What?  What are we covering, agenda, etc

How?  What will be our process? What aspects of the technology will we be using?

What if/else?  What’s next?  What are our actions?  What else do we need to consider?

Virtual collaboration doesn’t need to be elaborate, convoluted or complex.  Getting the simple things right is the key.