Effective SMEs (Covid Redux): How to Help Subject Matter Experts Facilitate Learning (Virtually)

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) bring a depth of experience, credibility, and relevance to instructor-led training. Their contributions and institutional knowledge are immeasurable.

Reliance on them in the virtual training environment also brings a certain amount of risk because SMEs are not, in most cases, experts in facilitation. It’s our responsibility then, as learning professionals, to do what we can to help them play to their strengths and coach them to be successful in the virtual training room.

In this session, we’ll explore ways to help SMEs succeed. We’ll begin by identifying ways to shape learning events specifically for SMEs and end with non-threatening coaching techniques you can use to help them improve their delivery.