The energy of the mind is the essence of life.
Aristotle (384–322 BC)
Greek philosopher
Despite the light of the screen our energy level will sooner or later come down. As this depends on each participant’s individual factors it’s hard to assess when it is the best time for a whole group to have a break. It’s often overlooked offline (as the facilitator is very much concerned with a lot of things) and it’s even harder to assess in an online event. The concentrated look of the digital workshop (DiWo) participant can be due to updating her facebook account and not your relevant input.
However, there are experiences when it’s to shift gears and I am sure you have your own. In general we can say it’s like in in school: every 45 we should change subject and this can be accompanied and supported by remote energizers or a games.
How to apply remote energizers
Remember: each module of your digital workshop contribute to the overall objective of your workshop. This applies also to remote energizers. So, choose an energizer that is a step towards your goal.
Second, the energizer should suit the audience as well as the stage or phase of the group is actually in. Not everything is suitable at all times. You don’t bid farewell at the beginning, don’t you?
The energizer should also contribute to the 6 balances in a group. Thus, your participants feel respected, valued and have the sense that the workshop was balanced.
Some games might require a debriefing. Don’t skip as this will be part of the whole. Better plan the time properly.
Even if you are under time pressure, please don’t neglect remote energizers: if the mind is not focused properly, the whole content session might be in vain.
Have a look and consider the objectives of your event, your target audience and the stage in the group process in order to choose the most suitable one!