Engaging Workplace Training

From the Vault: My First YouTube Video (Lessons on Growth, Focus, and Showing Up)

This reflection was originally shared on YouTube, and I am bringing it into the podcast now as part of a “From the Vault” series — with continued growth and perspective since it was first recorded. In this episode, I revisit my very first YouTube video and reflect on what has changed, what has improved, and what I have learned along the way. This is a “from the vault” recording — and while the video itself is older, the lessons about growth, starting before you feel ready, and evolving your focus are still very relevant today. I share what worked, what I would do differently, how my equipment and setup have improved, and how my content has shifted to be more focused on serving you — the learner, the facilitator, and the professional looking to grow. This episode explores: * What it is like to revisit your early work * Improvements in tools, setup, and delivery over time * How your focus can shift toward serving your audience * The role of reflection in learning and professional growth * Encouragement to start before everything feels perfect This is a reflective and practical episode for anyone creating content, teaching, facilitating, or building something new. “You don’t need to be perfect to start — you just need to begin.” Watch the original video here: https://youtu.be/0R4IzYz7iIQ?si=7GmkNaQDR3-xtsfK [https://youtu.be/0R4IzYz7iIQ?si=7GmkNaQDR3-xtsfK] Website: http://www.regiereducation.com/ [http://www.regiereducation.com/] LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6712152686093053952/ [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6712152686093053952/] Author: Patricia Regier, MEd, is the Online Expert who has built a career on the belief that training and online learning do not have to be boring. As the Owner of Regier Educational Services and holding a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for empowering her audience to feel engaged, courageous, and confident. Her book, The Online Shift, supports both new and experienced professionals in creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in practical strategies, research, and real-world application. #PersonalGrowth #LearningJourney #ContentCreation

From the Vault: The Online Shift Keynote (Lessons for Virtual Facilitation That Still Matter)

This episode was recorded earlier and is being shared now as part of a “From the Vault” series. In this episode, I am sharing a keynote from my archives — a talk connected to my book, The Online Shift, focused on creating engaging and effective virtual learning experiences. While this session was recorded earlier in my journey, the core ideas continue to show up in my work today. At the same time, my thinking and approach have evolved — and that is part of why I wanted to share this. If you facilitate online sessions, lead virtual meetings, or design learning experiences, these foundational principles still matter. This episode explores: * Key principles from The Online Shift * How to create engaging virtual learning experiences * What facilitators need to consider in online environments * Practical strategies for increasing participation and connection * Reflections on how this work has evolved over time This is both a reflection and a resource — a look back at foundational ideas that continue to influence how we design and facilitate learning today. “The tools have evolved, but what makes learning meaningful has not.” My Book: The Online Shift Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Online-Shift-Facilitators-Workplace-Trainers/dp/1778011152/ [https://www.amazon.ca/Online-Shift-Facilitators-Workplace-Trainers/dp/1778011152/] USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1778011152 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1778011152] Author: Patricia Regier, MEd, is the Online Expert who has built a career on the belief that training and online learning do not have to be boring. As the Owner of Regier Educational Services and holding a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for empowering her audience to feel engaged, courageous, and confident. Her book, The Online Shift, supports both new and experienced professionals in creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in practical strategies, research, and real-world application. #VirtualFacilitation #KeynoteSpeaker #LearningAndDevelopment

Make Zoom Meetings Interactive: Simple Ways to Increase Engagement in Virtual Sessions

In this episode, I share practical ways to make Zoom meetings more interactive and engaging — whether you are facilitating training, leading a meeting, or presenting online. It is easy for virtual sessions to become passive, but with a few intentional strategies, you can create more participation, connection, and meaningful interaction. As someone working in learning and development, I focus on designing experiences that keep people engaged, not just present. Small adjustments in how we structure and facilitate sessions can make a significant difference. This episode explores: * Why engagement matters in virtual meetings and training * Simple ways to encourage participation in Zoom * Tools and features within Zoom that support interaction * How to move beyond passive listening * Practical facilitation tips to improve learner experience A practical and thoughtful walkthrough for anyone facilitating virtual meetings, workshops, or training sessions. Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/iGaWVPjMpF4 [https://youtu.be/iGaWVPjMpF4] Author: Patricia Regier, MEd, is the Online Expert who has built a career on the belief that training and online learning do not have to be boring. As the Owner of Regier Educational Services and holding a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for empowering her audience to feel engaged, courageous, and confident. Her book, The Online Shift, supports both new and experienced professionals in creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in practical strategies, research, and real-world application. #VirtualFacilitation #ZoomTips #LearningAndDevelopment

Create AI Images in PowerPoint: Hidden Copilot Tool Most People Miss

In this episode, I walk through a lesser-known feature in PowerPoint — the ability to generate AI images directly within your slides using Microsoft Copilot. Many people are not aware this feature exists or how to access it, but it can be a powerful way to quickly create visuals without leaving PowerPoint. As someone working in learning and development, I am always looking for ways to streamline content creation while maintaining clarity and engagement. Tools like this can support faster development of presentations, training materials, and visual content. This episode explores: * How to access the AI image generator in PowerPoint * What Microsoft Copilot can create within your slides * When this feature is useful for presentations and learning materials * Practical tips for using AI-generated visuals effectively * Why this tool can save time in content creation workflows A quick and practical walkthrough for anyone creating presentations, training content, or workplace materials using PowerPoint. Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the step-by-step video version here: https://youtu.be/OvjdOLAMfo0 [https://youtu.be/OvjdOLAMfo0] Author: Patricia Regier, MEd, is the Online Expert who has built a career on the belief that training and online learning do not have to be boring. As the Owner of Regier Educational Services and holding a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for empowering her audience to feel engaged, courageous, and confident. Her book, The Online Shift, supports both new and experienced professionals in creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in practical strategies, research, and real-world application. #PowerPoint #AITools #LearningAndDevelopment

Zoom Hand Gestures Feature: Turn On Reactions Without Clicking (Quick Tutorial)

In this episode, I walk through a newer Zoom feature that allows you to trigger reactions using hand gestures — without needing to click anything. This small but powerful feature can make virtual meetings, workshops, and training sessions more interactive and engaging. Whether you are facilitating or participating, it offers a simple way to respond in real time. As someone working in learning and development, I am always looking for ways to reduce friction and increase engagement in virtual environments. Features like this support more natural interaction and can help participants feel more involved. This episode explores: * What the Zoom hand gestures feature is * How to turn it on and use it * What gestures trigger reactions * When this feature is helpful in meetings, training, and facilitation * How it can support engagement in virtual learning environments A quick and practical tip for anyone using Zoom for meetings, teaching, or workplace training. “Small features like this can make a big difference in how people engage in virtual spaces.” Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the step-by-step video version here: https://youtu.be/9hjrgorWQU0 Author: Patricia Regier, MEd, is the Online Expert who has built a career on the belief that training and online learning do not have to be boring. As the Owner of Regier Educational Services and holding a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for empowering her audience to feel engaged, courageous, and confident. Her book, The Online Shift, supports both new and experienced professionals in creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in practical strategies, research, and real-world application.