Hello, hello!

Today’s update is all about skills development—a topic I’m quite passionate about. As an instructional designer, I’m always thinking about how to help people learn more skills.

The process of creating an online course has led me to pick up some new skills of my own. Since the best way to learn skills is through practice, I’d like to share how I’ve been doing that.

Check it out ⬇️

Skill #1: Digital speaking

Mode of practice: Daily camera training

Honesty time: There’s one part about creating an online course I’ve been secretly dreading. And that part is…

speaking on camera. 😳

But I know content formats like video or voice audio is key for online courses. So I’m taking myself out of my comfort zone to work on my digital speaking skills.

This week, I started my own “camera training”. I spend a few mins every day simply recording myself with my phone. I’m slowly getting over that cringey camera shyness. But there’s still a lot to work on (lots of “ums”, eyes wandering, speaking too formally).

📌 When learning a new skill, try giving yourself some mini-training exercises. Don’t expect to gain the new skill right away or in one try. Skills are honed over time with practice.

Skill #2: Relationship + reputation building

Mode of practice: Instagram and Twitter

In my last progress report, I shared the launch of my Instagram account. I’ve also been Twitter-ing for the last couple of months.

By engaging with other people’s posts or connecting in DMs, I’ve been exercising my online networking skills.

Earning trust and credibility is a big part of being an online course creator or digital educator. The more someone trusts you, the more keen they’ll be about enrolling in your course.

In the same way, any type of entrepreneur or business owner needs to get good at relationship and reputation building. So I’m glad this experience has led me to work on this skill.

Skill #3: Storytelling

Mode of practice: Newsletter

My writing game has definitely picked up since starting this project. This newsletter and the articles I’ve been writing are like prep work for the content of my course.

I’m learning how to explain concepts more simply. How to sequence and deliver info in an engaging way.

The premise of the I’m Learning Out Loud newsletter is to share my ongoing story of creating my first online course. Every progress report is like a storytelling writing exercise.

💡 Design prompt: How might we make an online course feel as engaging as a great story?

That’s all for now :)

I’d love to hear about any skills you’re currently working on! Drop a comment or message me at brainoflaraine@gmail.com.

Laraine ✌️