Simon Hall writes...
I enjoyed a wonderful moment this week.
And no, that’s not hype: we’re talking real pinnacle of career stuff.
When I tell you what it is, it may not sound so special…
But! Wait until I explain my reasoning, and you might think differently.
So, what was this lovely moment, I can sense you asking.
With all due fanfare, drum roll, and 21 gun salute, it was…
- Giving the first lecture of the first run of my University of Cambridge Compelling Communication Skills course
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right:
I’ve given dozens of lectures, so what’s special about this one?
Well, let me tell you a story.
I was first asked to pitch an idea for the course about 18 months ago.
So I did, and there were iterations, and iterations, and more iterations...
Before finally we had a sound and detailed outline in place.
Then we had to gather together the team who could deliver the course.
And all that before the process of approval…
Which involved me appearing in front of a rather daunting star chamber of brilliant Cambridge academics.
But despite that obvious moment of danger, all was approved...
And so the real work started.
I had to learn all about online teaching, how to build a course, and the various extraordinary feats of technology involved.
Not to mention the artistry and elegance of a top quality online course.
Then I had to write the content, work alongside the lovely team at Cambridge Online Education to make it all smart, smooth, and effective…
Spend weeks recording videos, podcasts, commentaries for graphics…
Spend more weeks testing, editing, revamping, polishing and perfecting…
Before finally we were in a position to deliver the course.
Then, naturally, it had to be marketed.
That involved creating case studies, blogs, social media posts and videos, and so much more.
Which brought us to the crunch point.
Would anybody want to join the course?
There was stiff competition online, we were a newcomer to the field, such courses are not cheap, and I must confess, I did have my worries.
But... happily... but!
We had so many people sign up that we've had to run a couple of cohorts, side-by-side, to ensure everyone gets the support and attention they deserved.
I’m delighted, all the team are delighted, and the learners seem to be enjoying themselves and getting a great deal from the course.
With plenty of feedback that it's not just highly informative, but very enjoyable and entertaining as well.
So, in short, a big success I’m both happy and relieved to say.
That’s the story, which leads us back to the point of this blog.
Giving the first lecture of the course, being able to talk to the learners...
Enjoying their kind praise and the congratulations of colleagues...
All that was the snow capped summit of the whole experience.
The part people remember and talk about.
But... but...
it would never have happened without the mountain of work that lay beneath it.
