Presenting a Successful Web Conference, Part I

Webinars are a great alternative to traditional meetings, removing the hassle of travel and the expenses associated with it.  With live web conferencing (aka 'webinars') becoming more popular than ever it may only be a matter of time before you are asked to schedule one.  Not sure where to begin?  We're here to help.  Welcome to part one of our new series that will help make your next web conference a success.  In this installment we will go over some of the general features of webinars as well as what steps should be taken prior to going live online. 

There are many interactive features that today's web conferencing interfaces utilize.  Some of these include chat, polling, phone bridges and text question submission. 

• Chat - allows viewers to chat amongst themselves or with the moderator/presentor(s).  All viewers can read and participate in the chat session.
  
• Polling - questions are fed into the player and viewers select their answer with a click of the mouse.  The presenter(s) then views the answers in real-time.
  
• VoIP/Phone Bridge - callers are given a toll free phone number and can call into the conference and talk to the presenter(s).  All of the viewers can hear the conversation.  This is great for question and answer sessions. 
  
• Text Questions - viewers can submit their questions for the presenter(s) via their computer keyboard.  This can also be used during question and answer sessions.
  

Now, let's talk about what should be done prior to going live with your web conference. 

• Make sure the log in process is easy!  If people can not attend your webinar because the log in is difficult or confusing then you are wasting your time and money.  Streamline the process as much as possible and have someone do a few practice log ins to make sure it is working properly. 
• You want to make sure that all invited participants receive a reminder email that includes the log in information and process a few days before the webinar.  You may also choose to include a PDF of the slides that you will be presenting in case they want to take notes.
  
• Practice Makes Perfect!  This is perhaps the most important tip to presenting a successful webinar.  Hold a practice run at least one day before the actual conference.  Make sure the presenter(s) and moderator are familiar and comfortable with the format, content and technical aspects of the presentation.  Test the internet connection, microphones and lights.  Try to make this run through as realistic as possible; if a phone bridge will be used on the big day, have someone call in to make sure it is working properly.  Remember, the more comfortable the presenter is in front of the camera, the more believable he or she becomes to the audience. 
  

Be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for our second installment of "Presenting a Successful Web Conference".  In the meantime, remember to contact Magic Coast at 888.841.8804 for all of your webinar needs.  Our staff has several years experience in producing, editing and hosting both webinars and live events.