Greetings from sunny Barcelona☀️where it feels good to be back in my home studio after several months on the road.
This edition of The Quest is for you if you want to take a lot of stress out of running tech in your live online sessions. Let’s jump right in.
So one of the first things I spotted on my desk when I got back was my Elgato Stream Deck.
If you haven’t seen one of these yet, it looks like this 👇
It’s a magic little box that lets you control your computer and gadgets without scrambling for keyboard shortcuts.
True confession: my Stream Deck has been gathering dust on my desk since my birthday back in August.
I got as far as taking it out of the box and watching a few tutorials before getting distracted by something else shiny and new. ✨
Anyhoo, I came back and there it was giving me that look like “Hey, remember me? 👋”
Thanks to Said Saddouk‘s brilliant Stream Deck workshop, I finally sat myself down and set it up.
And it was a revelation – like, “Why didn’t I start using this sooner?” 😅
Why it’s a game-changer👇
It streamlines everything from day-to-day work at your computer to smoothly running courses, workshops, and webinars.
✔️It saves you precious time
✔️It eases the stress of running tech
For daily tasks, I use it for:
- Opening frequently used websites
- Controlling accessories, like studio lights
- Taking screenshots, launching apps like Notes and more
And for live online sessions, it’s brilliant for:
- Turning music on and off
- Setting up chat instructions
- Sharing screens, muting mics
- Pulling up participant panel and chat box
- Switching between presenter and gallery view
That’s just scratching the surface.
If I were to set it up all over again (so that it didn’t take me 7 months), here’s what I’d do:
⏰ Block out time. It took me way longer because I was starting and stopping. It’s not rocket science but it does require some focused figuring out. Say 2-3 hours.
✍️ Plan before you program. I jumped in too quickly to program the keys only to have to erase and start again. Map out first what keys you want to use for what and when — and then program the keys.
🎥 Watch tutorials. There is way more to this little black box than meets the eye. Like programming different sequences of actions with the multi-action switch. 🤯 Tutorials will help you learn what’s possible.
Here are some of the tutorials that helped me so you can fast-track your setup (with a special shout-out to the brilliant Cat Mulvihill for her amazing content!)
- Cat Mulvihill “Should I get a Stream Deck… and which one?”
- Using the Stream Deck for Zoom Calls
- Stream Deck for Microsoft Team Meetings
- Jan Keck My favorite Shortcuts #streamdeck #zoom
And here’s a list of handy Zoom keyboard shortcuts when it comes time to set up your Zoom keys.
Where to start:
👉There’s a free version of Stream Deck that you can test out on your smartphone.
👉I have the 15-key desktop version that runs for approx. US$150.00. (BTW I don’t earn any affiliate commission for this – I just think it’s an amazing product).
Over to you! How do you (or would you) use a Stream Deck for running live events?
This Week’s Facilitator Finds 💪
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools that I’ve found super valuable — and I think you will too!
1/ Turn blank stares into aha! moments with visual frameworks. If you want to get better at using visual frameworks to communicate complex ideas check out this Solo newsletter by solopreneur OG and design expert Terri Lonier – complete with a “Framework Library Starter Kit”. Also – check out Terri’s upcoming course “Content Velocity“.
2/ Ingredients of a great origin story. Learn to tell your S.O.S or Signature Origin Story with these tips by expert creator and Superfans author Pat Flynn. It’s similar to what I call your Story of Breakthrough – and it’s an essential skill for connecting deeply with your groups.
3/ Icebreaker of the Week. Explore this incredible collection of fun, deep, and original icebreakers that Art of Noticing author Rob Walker has been collecting since 2019.
Here’s one that struck me:
“Tell me about a person you met just once who made a lasting impression on you.”
What icebreaker would you add?
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
I always love hearing your feedback and suggestions. Just hit reply to share your thoughts and ideas.
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Creatively yours,
Whenever you are ready there are 2 more ways I can help you:
👉Custom coaching & team training. Book a free 15-minute zero-commitment call with me to see how I can support you and your team.
👉 Live Session Design Video Course. Live Session Magic gives you a proven system for designing consistently high-quality online sessions. Join the interest list here and be the first to get access.
👉5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.
